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Politico
5 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Pritzker's gerrymander jab draws fire
☀️☀️☀️Happy hot Thursday, Illinois. The Cubs will host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game at Wrigley Field, via Crain's. TOP TALKER MAP MOVES: Gov. JB Pritzker scolded Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump this week for their brazen attempts to redraw congressional maps in the Lone Star State with the goal of giving GOP candidates an even cushier ride to Washington. No cheating: That the president is 'encouraging Texas — and Texas being willing to do this — should be an indicator to the rest of us that if they're going to cheat, that that's not a proper way to act,' Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference. 'I think we ought to play by the rules. Everybody.' Illinois Republicans did a spit take. 'It's rich that the governor now claims to support playing by the rules — after he enthusiastically signed into law the most gerrymandered maps in the nation,' said Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. 'Phony' and 'disingenuous' is how state Rep. Ryan Spain, the deputy minority leader, put it. The backstory: In 2021, when Democrats worried the House might slip from their grasp, Illinois Democrats approached redistricting with surgical precision — eliminating two Republican congressional seats and reinforcing their own fortress in D.C. How it changed: Illinois, which lost a seat due to population changes, went from having 13 Democrats and five Republicans in Congress to 14 Democrats and three Republicans. This week, Pritzker left open the possibility of more map tweaking. Asked if Illinois would try to 'counterbalance' what Texas might do, Pritzker said: 'We have to see what they decide to do about Texas.' We reached out to lawmakers on the redistricting committee to see if there's any appetite for another round of map-making. No one responded. And a spokesman for Senate President Don Harmon told Capitol News' Ben Szalinski, 'That's not something we're pursuing.' Redistricting 'overreach' can be a risk, says Ryan Tolley, executive director of CHANGE Illinois, which supports fair mapping. He pointed to how Illinois lawmakers also carved up state legislative districts in southern Illinois, with the goal of favoring Democratic incumbents LaToya Greenwood and Jay Hoffman. But the outcome backfired. Greenwood lost. 'Democrats run the risk of creating thin margin districts. The big question would be whether they could pick up a seat,' Tolley said. And if they don't, 'they could end up hurting more than helping.' That might not stop Democrats, however. One political strategist we talked to acknowledged, 'There's always more you can do,' a reminder that gerrymandering is a bipartisan blood sport that's never really over. RELATED Obama to headline fundraiser in response to GOP redistricting efforts, by POLITICO's Andrew Howard THE BUZZ REALITY BITES: Mayor Brandon Johnson's CFO says a property tax hike is 'likely' in the 2026 budget, via Bloomberg's Isabela Fleischmann and Romaine Bostick. 'It is likely that that will be part of the package,' Jill Jaworski said at Bloomberg's New Voices event in Chicago. 'We haven't rolled out the full package yet, but the package is going to include cuts [in expenditures], and it is going to include proposals for increasing our revenues.' Jaworski also talked at length about what the city is doing to attract new business, the city's tax burden — and areas of the city that work. Watch it here From the Tribune: Johnson's team emphasized the budget was not yet finalized and that the mayor 'is focused on identifying progressive revenue opportunities that ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share and that this budget is not balanced on the backs of working people,' report A.D. Quig and Jake Sheridan. RELATED Chicago Public Schools is grappling with a massive budget deficit: 'District officials say they expect to save about $165 million after laying off some central office staff and crossing guards this summer. But leaders are still searching for $569 million in either savings or revenue,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp. If you are LaToya Greenwood, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At the State of Illinois Building at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the building being renamed the Jesse White State of Illinois Building At 2300 South State Street at 1:15 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting at 23rd Place at Southbridge Where's Toni At the Cook County Building at 9 a.m. to preside over a County Commission meeting — At the Cook County Building at 12:45 p.m. to spotlight a youth and the arts movement — At the State of Illinois Building at 1:30 p.m. for its renaming 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 — MAKING IT OFFICIAL: State Rep. Margaret Croke is officially launching her campaign for state comptroller today, promoting a 'Rule of 3' video, with a hat tip to juggling her three children. Croke has served nearly five years in the Illinois General Assembly and before that worked in the governor's office. 'Our state comptroller can't control what happens in Washington, but they can ensure Illinois' finances are managed with efficiency, transparency and oversight,' she said in a statement announcing her campaign. 'With the chaos coming out of the Trump administration, strong leadership at the state level is more important than ever before.' — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: In IL-07, Richard Boykin, the former county commissioner, will kick off his campaign for Congress with businessman Willie Wilson at his side. Details here — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: George Alpogianis is launching his campaign for 9th District Democratic State Central committeeman, and he's being endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, state Sen. Laura Murphy, state Rep. Kevin Olickal and Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, according to his team. — Senate race: Robin Kelly pledges to confirm only pro-LGBTQ+ judges in U.S. Senate bid, by Jake Wittich in the Windy City Times — In IL-09: Daniel Biss has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 742, representing Evanston's fire and EMS personnel. It's the first labor endorsement in the race. Biss, the mayor of Evanston, is running for the open seat now held by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who's retiring after 2026. — Robert Carroll is seeking the Democratic nomination for DuPage County sheriff, where he was a top aide. 'I'm running because every resident deserves to feel safe, respected and heard — no matter where they live, what they look like, or where they come from.' he said in launching his campaign. More from the Daily Herald's Susan Sarkauskas. ILLINOIS' POPE — Legislation aims to protect pope's U.S. citizenship: 'The measure would exempt popes with U.S. citizenship from federal tax obligations, and prevent their citizenship from being revoked during their tenure as supreme pontiff,' by The Pillar's Jack Figge. CHICAGO — Startup joins Chicago's growing quantum campus, plans to build its own computer: 'Infleqtion, a startup with roots in Boulder, Colo., and Chicago, says it will build a commercial quantum computer at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park planned for the former U.S. Steel mill on the South Side,' by Crain's John Pletz. — City investing $40M to improve conditions at 7 homeless shelters, by Block Club's Michael Liptrot — Feds want 15 months for ex-City Club President Jay Doherty in ComEd Madigan plot, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel — SCOOP: Ex-Loretto leader and pal accused of stealing millions are living large in Dubai, by Block Club's Kelly Bauer — University of Chicago considers restructuring arts and humanities division to cut costs, by the Tribune's Kate Armanini COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Harvey, Ill., to lay off about 10 percent of its city workforce: 'After every effort to avoid cuts — including eliminating discretionary spending, enforcing tax compliance and making painful operational adjustments — we have no choice,' said Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark, via CBS 2's Adam Harrington and John Odenthal. — Crystal Lake Park District holds another contentious meeting as board cleared of violating Open Meeting Act: 'Yelling, booing mark session,' by the Northwest Herald's Michelle Meyer. — Ex-Worth Township supervisor gets probation in Oak Lawn red-light camera bribery case, by the Tribune's Jason Meisner SPOTTED — Happy anniversary! New Chicago Consulting, headed by managing partners Tom Bowen, Christina Nowinski Wurst and Tracy Mayfield celebrated their 11 years in business earlier this week with a gathering of friends and clients. In the room: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Ald. Jason Ervin, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, former Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz, County Commissioner Scott Britton and former Congresswoman and Mercury Public Affairs partner Cheri Bustos. Reader Digest We asked about crazy things you've seen on the El. Bob Kieckhefer: 'Ronnie Woo Woo on the Red Line headed to Wrigley.' Kevin Lampe: 'The excitement of arriving at Comiskey Park (Yes, that is still the name to me.) or Wrigley Field and the emotional discharge depending on the outcome of the game at departure.' Ed Mazur: 'Red Line: a man with a squawking chicken perched on his head. Honestly.' Tara Price: 'One time my law school roommate and I saw the bare behind of a gentleman through his ripped jeans as he stood up, leaned against the railing of the seats directly in front of us. Some things you wish you could unsee.' Josh Witkowski: 'I've seen guys openly selling weed while moving car to car.' NEXT QUESTION: What policy or law noticeably improved your community? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Donald Trump's social media attacks on President Barack Obama, saying Trump's use of an AI-generated video of Obama was 'deeply unsettling,' according to a statement. Earlier this week, Trump accused Obama of 'treason' over an investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 election. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Appeals court finds Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship unconstitutional, by The Associated Press. The move drew praise from Illinois Atty. Gen. Kwame Raoul. 'The universal injunction was both necessary and appropriate. As a birthright citizen, I will not stop fighting to protect the constitutionally protected right to citizenship that is unquestionably guaranteed to all children born in this country to parents who are not yet naturalized citizens.' — 'POTUS is clearly furious': White House is frustrated by all-consuming Epstein coverage, by POLITICO's Rachael Bade — Trump's 'massive' deal with Japan is giving US automakers heartburn, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers and Chris Marquette — Supreme Court green-lights Trump's firing of consumer product safety regulators, by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein TRANSITIONS — Adrienne White-Faines has been named president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. She starts in September. Most recently White-Faines was chief strategy officer for the American College of Physicians. The Tribune's Lisa Schencker has more. — Kara Spak is now media senior director at the 120/80 Group, a digital health marketing firm. She was a Northwestern hospital media relations manager and earlier a Sun-Times reporter. EVENTS — Saturday: State Rep. Adam Niemerg's free fishing derby for kids ages 4 to 15 will be held at Sam Parr. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Mary Kay Minaghan for correctly answering that a traditional 'Chicago handshake' is a shot-and-a-beer combo of Heileman's Old Style and Malört. TODAY's QUESTION: What Chicago location was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, former Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers, Lockport Township Supervisor Alex Zapién, entrepreneur Michael Ferro, Holtz Industries President James Straus, WGN Radio's Anna Davlantes and Global Strategy Group's Nicole Jaconetty -30-
International Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- International Business Times
Who Is Christine Hunsicker? Celebrated Female Tech Founder Indicted in $300 Million Criminal Fraud Case
July 23, 2025 20:37 +08 Christine Hunsicker, a once-celebrated female tech entrepreneur and founder of the clothing rental company CaaStle, is now at the center of a sweeping fraud case. The 48-year-old, who was twice honored by Inc. magazine for leading one of the fastest-growing companies in the country and featured in Crain's New York Business's "40 Under 40" list, has been charged with defrauding investors of more than $300 million. X The US Department of Justice alleges that Hunsicker misrepresented her company, CaaStle, as a promising "$1.4 billion Clothing-as-a-Service" business even as the company was in deep financial trouble. The start-up was a collaboration with fashion retailers to provide apparel rental services and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Delaware on June 20. The supposed fraud took place from 2019 to 2024. Prosecutors claim Hunsicker manipulated the books and inflated revenue to lure investor money. One report falsely claimed that the company made a profit of $66.3 million in 2023, when it actually lost $81 million and had revenue of just $15.7 million. Hunsicker is charged with six counts of criminal behavior, including wire fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and making false statements to a bank. She is in custody and could face decades in prison if convicted. The SEC has filed a related civil suit in connection with the case. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, "The promise of pre-IPO tech companies can be fertile ground for fraudsters who play on investor euphoria." The indictment claims she issued false stock options worth over $20 million by forging the signature of a company director. She is alleged to have raised $275 million in CaaStle and $30 million in another startup called P180. While the charges are grave, Hunsicker's attorneys contend that the indictment provides an incomplete version of the facts. They insist Hunsicker has nothing to hide and is happy to have her side heard in court. If convicted, Hunsicker faces the possibility of decades in prison.
Axios
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel considering 2028 presidential run
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is considering running for president, he confirmed Wednesday. The latest: In an interview with Crain's Chicago Business 's Greg Hinz, Emanuel said, "I'm looking at the (Democratic) field, and most importantly, what I have to contribute." Context: Emanuel has been vocal about the future of the Democratic Party after returning from his ambassadorship to Japan under former President Joe Biden, but this is the most he's said publicly about vying for the White House. Zoom in: He's pushing the party leaders to get back to "kitchen table issues" instead of focusing on more progressive issues and political correctness," he told Crain's. "We have to go back to how we won. Focus on middle-class economics and values." Flashback: Emanuel worked as a policy advisor under President Clinton beginning in 1993, before moving to Congress to represent Chicago's North Side. After orchestrating the Democrats' push to win the House in 2006, he left to join President Obama as his White House chief of staff in 2009. All this was before running the city of Chicago for eight years, before choosing not to run for a third term in 2019. Yes, but: Many progressive politicians don't see eye to eye with Emanuel, who has been criticized for his handling of the police murder of Laquan McDonald. He was accused of blocking the release of the video that captured the murder, which happened while Emanuel was mounting his reelection campaign in 2014. He was also criticized for closing 50 neighborhood schools. Reality check: The acrimony isn't just local. Progressives inside the Democratic Party, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), sought to block Emanuel's ambassadorship in 2021 because of the McDonald cover-up allegations, adding it "should be flatly disqualifying for any position of public trust, let alone representing the United States as an ambassador." Between the lines: That bad blood may be why Emanuel is on the hunt to reclaim the Democratic party. After the loss to President Trump in November, Emanuel has tried to rally the party back to the middle. The intrigue: Emanuel will be watching closely as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is also a potential candidate, as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Officials upset with Tesla over strange situation at local mall: 'Currently occupying several rows of parking'
The Tesla Cybertruck has underperformed in sales, creating an untenable storage problem for the unsold vehicles. As detailed by Carscoops, a report from Crain's Detroit Business revealed that dozens of unsold Cybertrucks and other Tesla models are being stored at "a run-down mall" in Farmington Hills outside of Detroit, and local officials are far from pleased. The vehicles reportedly "are currently occupying several rows of parking bays at the Hunter's Square shopping center," but using the land for vehicle storage is a violation of city code. It appears that the surplus of Cybertrucks could be coming from the brand-new showroom that Tesla recently opened near Hunter's Square in West Bloomfield. The lot that houses the vehicles is home to an open Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and used to house both a Torrid as well as a Bed, Bath & Beyond. The Cybertruck is a unique innovation that combines the functionality of a truck with the performance of an electric vehicle. It is by far a more climate-friendly option compared to traditional gas-powered trucks because it produces significantly less harmful carbon pollution. Despite its extensive benefits and positive impact on the environment, the Cybertruck "failed to live up to sales expectations since its official debut in late 2023," per Carscoops. Forbes reported that only 40,000 were sold in 2024, falling well short of Tesla's prediction of 250,000. To make matters even more concerning for the company, the Ford F-150 Lightning recently outperformed the Cybertruck in sales. The dwindling number of Cybertrucks and other Tesla models being sold could cause a setback in the fight against human-induced climate change, as the continued adoption of electric vehicles is a crucial step toward reducing air pollution and creating a healthier future. Charmaine Kettler-Schmult, director of planning and community development for Farmington Hills, told Crain's Detroit Business that the shopping center landlord has already been informed of the violation of housing the unsold Cybertrucks in the lot. However, she noted that the enforcement process "takes time." Tesla has also made attempts to make the Cybertruck more accessible, releasing a single-motor, rear-wheel drive, entry-level model for $69,990 in April. Owners of other Cybertruck models have been offered perks like free supercharging and discounts. If you're looking to make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying the benefits of a powerful and versatile vehicle, it's still worth considering making your next car purchase an electric vehicle or truck. Every purchase makes a difference in the quest for a cleaner environment. Do you think Tesla's vehicles have lost some of their appeal? Definitely No way Some models — but not others For some drivers — but not others Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Mather Group Named to Crain's Fast 50 for Fifth Consecutive Year
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 13, 2025-- The Mather Group, LLC (TMG), one of the nation's fastest growing Registered Investment Advisory firms, is proud to announce its inclusion on Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50 list for the fifth consecutive year. This recognition underscores the firm's continued commitment to purpose-driven growth, innovation, and exceptional client service. Since its founding in 2011, TMG has grown from $150 million to over $15 billion of assets under management and advisement across 12 offices nationwide. This is a result of the firm's unwavering focus on delivering Why-Powered Wealth Management, a personalized, values-aligned approach to financial planning designed to help clients live with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Putting Purpose at the Center 'At TMG, we believe wealth management should be powered by your 'why'—your goals, your values, and the life you want to live,' said Jennifer des Groseilliers, Chief Executive Officer. 'That belief drives everything we do, from the way we build financial strategies to how we invest in our people and technology.' TMG offers a holistic, all-inclusive approach to investment management, tax strategy, and estate planning, all for a transparent fee. As a fee-only fiduciary, the firm provides real, objective advice so clients can focus on what truly matters. Simplifying the Complex, Centering the Client 'Our Why-Powered Wealth Management platform helps clients cut through complexity to gain a clear view of their entire financial life,' said Ryan Wickert, Chief Financial Officer. 'With one comprehensive fee and a team that quarterbacks every aspect of their plan, our clients can spend less time managing money and more time living with intention.' Strategic Investments in People and Technology TMG's consistent growth is fueled by a dual investment strategy: developing exceptional talent and leveraging technology to enhance the client experience. 'We believe the client experience starts with empowered employees,' said Kristen Oziemkowski, Chief Operating Officer. 'From onboarding to ongoing education, we've made strategic investments to help our people deliver personalized, values-aligned service at scale.' On the technology side, TMG continues to implement advanced data science and machine learning tools that simplify internal processes while elevating client interactions within a secure, compliant, and scalable infrastructure. Celebrating Five Years of Recognition and Looking Ahead Crain's Chicago Business is a leading source of news and insight for business and civic leaders, policymakers, and elected officials across the region. The Fast 50 list honors Chicago-based companies that demonstrate exceptional growth, scalability, and business leadership. TMG's inclusion in Crain's Fast 50 for the fifth straight year reflects the firm's consistent performance, strategic acquisitions, and national expansion. Crain's is not affiliated with TMG, and the Crain's award is not based on client evaluations of our firm, TMG has not made any payments for or in anticipation of the award. About The Mather Group, LLC The Mather Group, LLC (TMG) is a fee-only wealth management firm that serves high-net-worth individuals and families. Committed to simplifying clients' financial lives, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of integrated services. TMG's in-house team of seasoned professionals brings deep expertise across investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, estate planning, and more—providing truly holistic guidance. As a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, TMG delivers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management tailored to each client's unique goals and values. View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact Tucker Slosburg Lyceus Group [email protected] (206) 635-4196 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PERSONAL FINANCE ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: The Mather Group, LLC Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/13/2025 12:38 PM/DISC: 06/13/2025 12:37 PM
