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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-
Politico
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Courting Cook County power
Happy Thursday, Illinois. Reader Digest gets saucy today, with contributors dishing on how political parties top their pizza. 🎤🌈 Playbook is live at the Hideout today at 6 p.m. with Brian Johnson, and LGBTQ+ trailblazer. Details here TOP TALKER ABOUT TO GET REAL: There's a reason the top Illinois U.S. Senate candidates have been hyping their endorsements. Some of their big-name backers are voting members of the Cook County Democratic Party — the same body meeting today and Friday to decide which candidate gets officially slated for Senate in 2026. The stakes are high: With three notable names running, it's possible that the nearly 80 party leaders won't be able to agree on endorsing any one candidate during Friday's session. But party rules require a simple majority — 50 percent plus one — to award the coveted endorsement, which comes with campaign advertising and field workers. If no single candidate clears that bar in the first round of voting, the process continues until a consensus is reached. If that can't be reached, no one will be endorsed. Hyping support ahead of the vote may help Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton put party leaders on the record and nudge others to vote their way, too. It's the 'bandwagon' strategy — put enough party leaders on record, and others may follow. Congressman Krishnamoorthi just announced endorsements from Cook County Democratic Party leaders including Chicago Alds. Pat Dowell (3rd), David Moore (17th) and Chris Taliaferro (29th) and some suburban committeemen, including Frank Avino of Norwood Park and Larry Dominick of Cicero, among others. Lt. Gov. Stratton, meanwhile, has lined up support from House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch and state Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Tracy Katz Muhl — all with seats at the slating table. And Congresswoman Kelly has staked her claim, announcing support from Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th), committeemen Bob Rita of Calumet Township and Vernard Alsberry of Bremen Township. Money, of course, matters in a race like this, but early maneuvering could tip the balance for a big party endorsement. Today's slating schedule. Friday's slating schedule. MONEY MATTERS | Thanks to their congressional accounts, Krishnamoorthi and Kelly have the most cash in US Senate race: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton raised nearly $1.1 million, spent $417,286, and began July 1 with $666,416 in cash available, according to campaign reports. 'But a closer review of her fundraising shows that about $185,000 of that amount must be used for the Nov. 3 general election and is unavailable for her use in the March 17 primary,' by the Tribune's Rick Pearson. NEW: Krishnamoorthi is out with a second statewide TV ad pushing the 'underdog' theme and showing him as a teen in a football uniform. Watch here THE BUZZ TEARS, TRIBUTES: Wednesday was a big day for goodbyes in Illinois politics as two longtime fixtures in the political landscape took their curtain calls. First up: State Comptroller Susana Mendoza fought back tears to announce she won't seek re-election in 2026. After a decade keeping the state's checkbook balanced — and prior stints in the Illinois General Assembly and at Chicago City Hall — Mendoza is ready to turn the page. Mayoral musings: She'll finish her term but acknowledged she doesn't know what her next chapter will be, saying she'll be taking a listening tour. Mendoza side-stepped a reporter's question about whether she might run for mayor of Chicago in 2027, and then she slammed Mayor Brandon Johnson's leadership, as the Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout reports. Over at City Hall, Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. held back his emotions while giving his final report to the City Council — his last after a 30-year run. Council members then took turns heralding his work and camaraderie over the years. 'Statesman,' is how Ald. Pat Dowell described Burnett. 'A lion,' added Ald. Andre Vasquez. And Ald. Jessie Fuentes said Burnett has had the keen ability to 'simmer down the room' and guide aldermen to 'lighten up a little bit and have a few conversations' to find consensus. Don't be surprised if Burnett reappears in another strategic role. In the political world, when one door closes, a new seat at the table opens up. If you are Bob Rita, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At Daley Plaza at 5:30 p.m. for the John Lewis Day of Action Where's Toni At IBEW local headquarters at 9 a.m. for slating Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ SPOTTED REUNION TIME: Nearly 200 former staffers from Rahm Emanuel's two terms as Chicago mayor gathered at Harry Caray's in River North earlier this week for what was billed as a reunion but felt, in some corners, like something more. It was the first time many had been in the same room since Emanuel left City Hall in 2019, and the mood — described by one attendee as 'happy and full of laughs' — also struck a balance between nostalgia and intrigue. Emanuel, never one to miss a mic or a moment, delivered the night's biggest laugh by quipping that the event was really a fundraiser for Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., who just announced his retirement. The gathering had the reunion-kind-of jabs about graying hair and thicker waistlines, but beneath the banter was a subtle hum of political intrigue. Emanuel, who also served as U.S. ambassador to Japan, is after all, mulling a 2028 presidential run. In the crowd were many of Emanuel's old guard: Michael Sacks, the GCM Grosvenor CEO and longtime confidant often dubbed the 'Rahm whisperer;' Lisa Schrader and Joe Deal, once Emanuel's top lieutenants and now, not coincidentally, on Sacks' payroll; former Deputy Mayor Andrea 'Andy' Zopp; Ald. Pat Dowell; former Ald. Will Burns; former Chicago Park District CEO Rosa Escareño; former city Budget Director Samantha 'Sam' Fields, who now works with Chicago CRED; former Department of Buildings Commissioner Mike Merchant, who's now executive director of the Illinois Commerce Commission; and White House Treasury alum Bill Doerrer and Hire360 CEO Jay Rowell, who worked on Emanuel's campaign side. And Brian Thompson, who headed Emanuel's security detail and is affectionately called the 'Mayor of Rush Street,' was there, too. BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Candidates file financial reports in crowded congressional races as Jesse Jackson Jr. lays groundwork for comeback effort, by the Tribune's Dan Petrella — IL-09: Nick Pyati has joined the crowded Democratic primary race for the open seat now held by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who's not seeking re-election. 'It's time for a vision and a plan that expands our economy, inspires innovation, and rebuilds America — an America we are proud to leave to our kids,' Pyati said in a statement announcing his campaign. Pyati was a prosecutor in President Barack Obama's Justice Department and earlier a public school teacher. He most recently led innovation efforts in Microsoft's Windows division. Today, his campaign is reporting he's already raised $130,000. Watch his launch video here. — In IL-10: U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider outraises, outspends Democratic challenger Morgan Coghill, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau — SCOOP: Cook County assessor candidate Dana Pointer has received $100,000 from Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. 'with more to come,' according to a spokesman for Rogers, who has a long-running feud with incumbent Assessor Fritz Kaegi. — In IL-08: Democratic candidate Junaid Ahmed raised nearly $350,000 in the second quarter, outpacing his competitors in the Democratic primary race for this open seat. — State House race: Republican Leslie Collazo announced she's running for the seat now held by Democratic state Rep. La Shawn Ford, who has announced he's running for Congress. Collazo was the lead plaintiff in the successful 2024 awsuit against the slating ban that made its way to the Illinois Supreme Court — when her campaign got cut short by rules at the time. Collazo, who has worked for Illinois Policy, now runs a small business. — State Rep. Jason Bunting, a Republican, announced he's running for reelection in the 106th District so he can 'continue to fight for the common-sense reforms Illinois desperately needs.' THE STATEWIDES — Gov. JB Pritzker pens letter urging President Trump's education secretary to unfreeze $6.8B in grants: 'The letter to Secretary Linda McMahon comes just days after 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the funding freeze in education grants for K-12 schools and adult education,' by the Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles. — Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs, by Capitol News' Andrew Adams — ComEd's $10M relief fund running out after 60,000 customers apply in first week, by the Tribune's Robert Channick — Another 107 former detainees allege sexual abuse in Illinois and Cook County youth detention centers, by the Tribune's Sophie Levenson — Intoxicating hemp remains unregulated in Illinois following legislative inaction, by Capitol News' Isabella Schoonover and Simon Carr CHICAGO — City Council fails to override Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's snap curfew veto: 'The Council fell six votes shy of overriding Johnson's veto of an ordinance allowing the Chicago police superintendent to enact a curfew targeting gatherings of young people anywhere in the city with 30 minutes' notice,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — As Burnett exits City Council, the mayor is in a bind to find a new Zoning chair: 'Unless the mayor lands on a nominee who can quickly muster support, the vacancy could overshadow the work of an important committee that considers both routine zoning changes and citywide land use policy,' by Crain's Justin Laurence. — Rush Medical Center halts gender-affirming care for new patients under 18, by the Sun-Times' Mary Norkol COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Naperville may increase local sales tax to offset grocery tax repeal, by the Daily Herald's Alicia Fabbre — 3 Chicago suburbs are some of the wealthiest nationwide, study finds, by NBC 5's Hannah Webster Reader Digest 🍕🍕🍕We asked if the two major political parties were pizza, what toppings would they have. Kirk Dillard: 'Lots of red sauce but skim mozzarella cheese.' Donna Gutman: 'Sausage because you never really know how they make it.' Ed Mazur: 'Everything but the kitchen sink — all promises and no substance.' Marilynn Miller: 'Dems would have tomato sauce, generous sausage, onions, sweet peppers and lots of cheese. GOPs would have scant tomato sauce and scant cheese, and that's all. They've got to hold down the cost!' Andy Shaw: 'Durian for the Republicans, white rice for the Dems.' Alison Pure-Slovin: 'Bologna and fake meat!' Tim Steil: 'Democrats would have extra pork and the concoction from Alinea that smells like food but is really overpriced air. And Republicans would serve Velveeta with a side of corruption as dipping sauce.' James Straus: 'Pork and pork.' Alex Sutton: 'Republican Pizza has extra cheese, is topped with copious amounts of bacon and slices of hot dog, and has a stuffed crust. Democrat Pizza uses gluten-free cauliflower dough, substitutes cheese for a tofu-based alternative and is covered in spinach, mushrooms and artichokes.' NEXT QUESTION: Which politicians' comments would you like to see in a group chat text chain? THE NATIONAL TAKE — Mamdani turns on the charm, meets his critics head on, by POLITICO's Emily Ngo — Maurene Comey, daughter of James Comey and prosecutor of Jeffrey Epstein, is fired, by POLITICO's Erica Orden — Loomer delivers searing warning: Epstein could 'consume' Trump presidency, by POLITICO's Adam Wren, Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing and Gregory Svirnovskiy IN MEMORIAM — Donald Cameron Findlay III, an Illinois attorney who was deputy assistant to President George H.W. Bush, has died. Details here — Kristine Farra, a Chicago real estate entrepreneur active on the civic scene, has died. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that former Michigan Gov. Harry Kelly, who was born in Ottawa, was the LaSalle County state's attorney before his Michigan stints. TODAY's QUESTION: What Chicago government agency was created as the result of a war? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former Ald. Leslie Hairston, PsiQuantum head of marketing and government affairs Maurice Green, political consultant Art Turner, campaign consultant Alaina Hampton, JPMorgan Chase's Melanie Beatus Ettleson and Tribune Political Editor John Chase -30-
Politico
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
A sanctuary showdown
Happy Thursday, Illinois. And thank you for your Reader Digest comments on dramatic takes on political scandals — Broadway better watch its back. TOP TALKER PUSHING BACK: The City of Chicago has joined a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration for withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities. 'Federal funding should never be used as a tool to coerce local authorities into compliance with unlawful mandates,' Corporation Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry declared in a statement that cuts to the heart of the legal argument: that Washington cannot hold the purse strings hostage to force political compliance. The city expects to receive about $3.5 billion in federal dollars this year, reports the Block Club's Quinn Myers. The legal maneuver on Wednesday came a day after federal officers descended on the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Chicago, raising tensions between Illinois elected officials and the Trump administration. According to museum officials, officers, who they presumed were immigration officials with U.S. Homeland Security, entered the museum parking lot Tuesday and refused requests to present a warrant, badge or identification. They were assessing entry and exit points for upcoming events, museum officials said at a press conference Wednesday. The museum is hosting its annual Barrio Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday. But, but, but: Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied the department targeted the museum, stating it was a visit by the Chicago Financial Crimes Task Force 'related to a narcotics investigation,' reports WTTW's Matt Masterson. Whoever visited the museum created anxiety and fear within the community and prompted elected officials to organize a press conference to denounce actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 'This seems to be a plan to terrorize,' said Ald. Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward, where the museum is located. And Ald. Gilbert 'Gil' Villegas echoed the message, saying, 'Right now, what we have in the White House is a domestic terrorist.' Their provocative language underscores the deep divide between Illinois and the White House on immigration issues. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who was also at the press event, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing her concerns about the museum confrontation. Get used to the uproar: President Donald Trump's megabill includes $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement, which means Illinois will remain in the feds' sights. 'We're going to continue to fight every single way to block ICE,' said state Rep. Lilian Jimenez, architect of legislation that bars ICE from entering schools. 'This is our home.' Here's the lawsuit that the city joined And here's video of the press conference More details: Federal officers' presence stokes deportation fears, by the Tribune's Nell Salzman Related: The Chicago churches on the frontline of Trump's deportation wars, by The Bulwark's Adrian Carrasquillo THE BUZZ THE CHICAGO WAY: Walter Burnett, the long-serving alderman and vice mayor of Chicago, is stepping down at the end of the month to open a lane for his son to possibly take his seat. According to Burnett: 'My wife told me she's been at home by herself for 30 years,' scooped the Block Club's Melody Mercado. 'She said, 'You put in your time. Now, come home.'' But Burnett still wants to keep working. He's being considered for a job heading the Chicago Housing Authority. And if that doesn't work, he may run for Congress in the 7th District seat, he told Playbook. The dominoes: Burnett wants his youngest son, 29-year-old Walter Burnett III, to be appointed to his 27th Ward seat. Burnett's other son, state Rep. Jawaharial 'Omar' Williams, had expressed interest in the job, too, but recently changed his mind, Burnett told the Block Club. If you are Tricia McLaughlin, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — DAVID AXELROD predicts Democrats will win back the U.S. House in 2026. 'I would rate their chances very high, primarily because history is very, very strong in this regard,' he told the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman in an interview touching on a range of political issues and characters, including Brandon Johnson, JB Pritzker, Rahm Emanuel, Michael Madigan, Ed Burke, Rod Blagojevich and Donald Trump. On Dems taking the House, the political guru said, 'Republicans have a razor-thin margin. There are enough targets for Democrats to pick up. And their chances were improved by the passage of this bill that the president likes to call 'The Big Beautiful Bill,' which is a real misnomer because it was a flat-out exchange between tax cuts for the wealthy. and healthcare for working people and the poor.' The full interview is here. — Speaking of Rahm Emanuel: If he runs, he'll bet on candor defeating the 'culture police,' writes George F. Will in The Washington Post — Samantha Steele is going to seek re-election for her Cook County Board of Review post — instead of running for Cook County assessor. The decision came after her office was honored by the National Association of Counties for its programming and service work. Steele 'doesn't want to see all her good work unravel,' said a spokesperson, adding the commissioner also wants to be available to her high-school senior daughter instead of battling for a new job. — In IL-08: Candidate Junaid Ahmed raised nearly $350,000 since announcing his candidacy for Congress last month. — Endorsement: Robert Peters, the Illinois state senator running in the 2nd Congressional District, has been endorsed by state Sen. Mattie Hunter, who is also the assistant majority leader in the Senate. THE STATEWIDES — State Farm to raise Illinois homeowners insurance rates by 27.2 percent in August: The rate hike, 'one of the largest in the state's history,' is due to the increase in 'extreme weather events,' by the Tribune's Robert Channick. — Audit finds state agency fell short on social equity initiatives outlined in Gov. JB Pritzker's landmark climate bill: 'The state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity failed to implement programs designed to assist clean energy contractors in underserved areas and to deliver clean energy jobs training to people exiting Illinois prisons,' by the Tribune's Olivia Olander. — Illinois to return $45M of missing money to residents: 'This is not a scam,' via ABC 7 CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools facing cash crunch as it works to close $734M deficit: 'District leaders must find a way to close the deficit either by finding more revenue, making more cuts, or borrowing money,' by Chalkbeat's Reema Amin. — CPS wants more students from all backgrounds to get the chance to skip a grade, by WBEZ's Sarah Karp — Chicago's summer jobs program sees another year of growth following pandemic-era dip, by WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel — Judge rules ex-Ald. Carrie Austin medically unfit to face trial on corruption charges, by the Tribune's Jason Meisner — Tuesday night's flash flooding was a 'one-in-500-year' event, by NBC 5's Kevin Jeanes — Sculptor Richard Hunt's life is on exhibit in Chicago — and it's a walk through Civil Rights history, by WBEZ's Mike Davis COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Bears stadium survey addresses seating chart, ticket prices and 'VIP tailgating': The questionnaire seeks thoughts on a 'state-of-the-art stadium that will serve all of Chicagoland and the state of Illinois' but doesn't mention the NFL franchise's 326-acre Arlington Park property specifically, by the Daily Herald's Christopher Placek. — Harvey Ald. Colby Chapman declares victory after charges dismissed: She says the charges stem from a political dispute with Mayor Christopher Clark, by the Daily Southtown's Mike Nolan. — Cook County now faces class-action lawsuit over tax sales that stripped home equity, by Crain's Dennis Rodkin — Michael Jordan's former Highland Park estate listed on Airbnb, by ESPN's Kalan Hooks Reader Digest We asked what political scandal would make the best musical. Zachary Brown: 'The saga of New York Congressman Daniel Sickles who murdered his wife's lover but was acquitted, becoming the first person in the country to successfully use the temporary insanity defense.' Larry Bury: 'The Magic Shoeboxes' based on the life of former Illinois Secretary of State Paul Powell. Writers would have so much to work with: In his hotel room he also had 49 cases of whiskey, 14 transistor radios and two cases of creamed corn.' John Engle: 'The Teapot Dome corruption scandal of the 1920s.' Mike Gascoigne: 'The Bush v. Gore debacle. Hanging chads need their own song.' Jarod Hitchings: 'The Shoebox Shuffle about Paul Powell.' Bob Kieckhefer: 'Paul Powell's 'shoebox cash stash,' with Julianne Moore playing Marge Hensey, described by the politically incorrect 1970s media as Powell's 'shapely red-headed secretary.'' Jim Lyons: 'Watergate, with the president singing a song called 'I Am Not a Crook.'' Dan Mattoon: 'The story of U.S. Rep. Wilbur Mills and Fanne Foxe, the stripper known as 'the Argentine Firecracker,' who leapt from a limo into Washington's Tidal Basin after a night of drinking in the 1970s.' Dennis Rendleman: 'The story of Orville Hodge, the Illinois state auditor who in the 1950s stole $1.5 million in state funds. One song, a la Hamilton's 'The Room Where it Happens' could be 'The Till Where It's Taken.'' Tomás Revollo: 'Former Congressman George Santos' fabricated biography!' David Schroeder: 'Watergate. The abundance of personalities set to music and song would be highly entertaining.' Timothy Thomas: 'Shoebox — the Musical Life and Times of Paul Powell: How a man of humble Southern Illinois roots came to accumulate over $750,000 stuffed in shoeboxes as Illinois Secretary of State.' Erika Weaver: 'Hell & High Water: The Story of Poppa Pope,' a character on 'Scandal.' NEXT QUESTION: If you had to survive a presidential debate using only quotes from one movie, which movie would you choose? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Getting schooled: Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth questioned the qualifications of President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, at his confirmation hearing Wednesday. 'This is not a glamour posting. You need to shape up and do some homework,' she said. Video here — A conservative take: Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller posted her views about people who speak other languages: 'In America, we speak ENGLISH — and that goes for truck drivers, construction workers, factory employees, store clerks, delivery drivers, warehouse crews, and everyone in between,' she posted on X. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Trump promises a farm labor fix. Ag secretary is stuck in the middle, by POLITICO's Jake Traylor, Myah Ward and Samuel Benson — Trump's assault on Big Law has been a big mess, by POLITICO's Ankush Khardori — Civil servants hold out hope their lawyers can still save their jobs, by POLITICO's Erin Schumaker TRANSITIONS — Doni Robinson is now of counsel in Barnes & Thornburg Intellectual Property Department. She was with Reed Smith. EVENTS — Today at 6:30 p.m.: Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) hosts a telephone town hall to discuss how the president's budget reconciliation bill will impact Illinois. Callers can dial in here (833)-708-2162 to join. Streaming here — Sunday: Let's Talk Womxn with hosts Rohini Dey, Tina Tchen, Shital Daftari and Becky Carroll, is holding a Summer Disco Social. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Carson Conlon for correctly answering that former Mayor Richard J. Daley was first elected to the Illinois House as a Republican. TODAY's QUESTION: Who's the social reformer whose work led to an Illinois law limiting women's working hours and prohibiting child labor? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former Congressman John Cox Jr., former state Rep. Carol Sente, Illinois Manufacturers' Association President and CEO Mark Denzler, nonprofit leader Sunny Fischer, Faegre Drinker Senior Director Olivia Pantoja, TresserLabs Chief Engagement Officer Tom Tresser, civic leader Toni Canada, Wall Street Journal reporter Heather Haddon, Champaign News-Gazette reporter Paul Wood and journalist Brandon Smith -30-
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
The stories we tell about the stars — Nahrizul Adib Kadri
JULY 10 — Not long ago, I was in the dentist waiting room at the Faculty of Dentistry, flipping through an old issue of Reader's Digest — the kind where the pages feel like they've passed through many hands. Somewhere in the middle, I came across a short piece on Planet Vulcan. Not the Star Trek kind, mind you. This Vulcan was a theoretical planet once believed to orbit between Mercury and the Sun. In the 19th century, French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier noticed that Mercury's orbit didn't behave the way Newtonian physics said it should. The math didn't add up. So he hypothesised another planet — Vulcan — to explain the wobble. For decades, astronomers looked for it. They believed it was there. Until 1915, when Einstein's theory of general relativity offered a different explanation. Mercury wasn't being tugged by some hidden mass — spacetime itself was bending under the gravity of the Sun. Vulcan quietly vanished, not with drama, but with understanding. And that stayed with me. There are so many things around us that we do not know yet. — Unsplash pic Why? Because for almost fifty years, people searched the skies for something that wasn't there. Not because they were foolish, but because they were following the best story available at the time. And when a better one came along, they moved on. It's a reminder that science, for all its rigour, isn't about final truths. It's about our best attempt at understanding, for now. And when the understanding deepens, the story changes. That doesn't make the old story worthless — it means we're still learning. That shift matters. Especially for those of us who work in science. We like to think we're chasing certainty, but often, we're narrating the evolving shape of what we think we know. The formulas and theories, the charts and conclusions — they're chapters. Not endings. There was a time in my life when I saw science as a vault of fixed answers. But the story of Vulcan reminded me that knowledge moves — and that movement is not failure. It's growth. Even our most accepted ideas today might one day be reframed. Not discarded, but seen differently. Quantum mechanics, for example, was once viewed as too strange to be useful — yet it now forms the basis of the smartphones in our pockets (movement of electrons in semiconductors is based on quantum physics). Flight was long considered a fantasy, until the Wright brothers proved otherwise (flapping wings were thought the only possible way to fly). And in hospitals, something as basic as handwashing was once ridiculed, even as it quietly saved lives — until science caught up and proved Dr Semmelweis right (he suggested doctors to wash their hands when going to different parts of hospitals in 1840s, long before bacteria and viruses were discovered). We forget how many of our current realities were once seen as impossibilities. And that's why storytelling matters. Not the embellishment of fact, but the craft of carrying curiosity. The willingness to hold a narrative loosely, knowing it may shift. Scientists, teachers, students — we're not just collecting data. We're passing along a torch: here's what we've seen so far. Now go ahead and explore more of the darkness ahead. I think often about the question my son once asked after watching Marvel's Avengers: Endgame: 'Is time travel real?' Part of me wanted to say no. But then I paused. Maybe not yet. And maybe that pause is the real answer. The door isn't closed — it's just not open yet. Rumi once wrote, 'Beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.' To me, that field is where science and wonder overlap. Where we speak not in absolutes, but in possibilities. So, if you've ever been told something is settled — that the facts are fixed, that the story is over — it's worth remembering Vulcan. Not because the planet was real, but because the pursuit of it led us somewhere better. It asked better questions. It kept us awake. And maybe that's the point. In a world that moves fast, that begs for certainty, maybe it's not our job to provide conclusions. Maybe it's to keep asking. To stay alert. To keep telling the story, knowing the ending hasn't been written yet. The universe isn't done surprising us. * Ir Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and the Principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Malaya. He may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Politico
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Preckwinkle is running
Presented by Good Monday morning, Illinois. Say hello to Danny Nguyen, who will be shepherding the newsletter this week while your Playbook host takes a bit of a break. Programming note: Reader Digest and Trivia are paused this week, but we'll have plenty of news to fill the rest of your time. TOP TALKER SCOOP: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is running again, she told your Playbook host in an exclusive interview. 'I'm running for reelection, and I'm looking forward to another four years serving the people of the county,' said Preckwinkle, who celebrates her 78th birthday today. Age is not a number as long as you're up for the fight, she added. 'I feel good. I work hard at my job, and I'm gonna do that.' Preckwinkle will be running on successes, including expanding health care for county residents, advocating for the pretrial Fairness Act that eliminates cash bail based on a judge's decision on safety and risk and submitting year-after-year balanced budgets 'without any new taxes. ... I'm proud of that work,' she said. The Democratic board president was first elected to the job in 2010 and earlier served 20 years on the Chicago City Council. She meets regularly with Gov. JB Pritzker to talk about the state of government and for a time had similar meetings with Mayor Brandon Johnson, too. 'I've got my own lane,' she said. Looking ahead, Preckwinkle's big worry is how the Trump administration's government cutbacks will affect county residents, especially when it comes to health care. Health care hassles: 'The county is a provider of Medicaid services and we have a Medicaid managed care program, so if there's a reduction of the size of the program as a result of federal cuts, we're going to be heavily impacted. Residents would lose coverage, and there is no way around it,' she said. The county has retired $455 million in Medicaid debt with the help of strategically allocated dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act that's benefited more than 288,000 people, she said. The uncertainty of what's happening in Washington could impact Medicaid and infrastructure projects, she said. 'I am not going to predict what's going to happen in Washington, but the uncertainty and the sort of brutality of the kinds of things they are talking about is very, very concerning.' About the campaign: It's headed by her political adviser, Scott Kastrup. And a fundraising reception will be held Tuesday to ramp up the campaign. Details here THE BUZZ MEMORY LANE: During an event Friday honoring former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch shared a story about the first time they met. He was an intern at WGN, and she was the Cook County recorder of deeds at the time and running for U.S. Senate. Moseley Braun stopped by WGN for an interview, and Welch stood with her for a photo that he's kept ever since. He shared it on stage during a tribute to Moseley Braun's career. History in the making: Moseley Braun would become the first Black woman senator, and Welch went on to become the first Black Illinois House speaker. Here's the picture that Welch saved. Friday's event at RPM Seafood in Chicago drew a large crowd for the speaker's Black Excellence in Bleu foundation. Also honored: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, Ald. Pat Dowell, Chicago Sky Co-Owner Nadia Rawlinson and America Scores Executive Director Kimberly Townsend. WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ THE STATEWIDES — Immigrant families scramble as state health insurance for some noncitizens faces the axe in Gov. JB Pritzker's budget plan, by the Tribune's Laura Rodriguez Presa and Dan Petrella — How life changed when Illinois' pandemic lockdown began five years ago — here's what you told us, by WBEZ's Isabela Nieto and Araceli Gomez-Aldana — New campaign: Americans for Prosperity-Illinois is launching a statewide video campaign opposing House Bill 2827, the Homeschool Act that would require oversight requirements for homeschooling families. — Illinois votes on a new state flag design — and chooses the current one, by The Associated Press's John O'Connor CHICAGO — Chicago wants city contractors to share in budget pain: 'The city is asking city vendors to take a 3 percent haircut on their existing contracts,' by Crain's Justin Laurence... The request drew criticism from Comptroller Susana Mendoza, a statewide office holder who is mulling a potential bid for mayor. — Trump administration targets University of Chicago over DEI, by Crain's Brandon Dupré IN MEMORIAM — Marian 'Cindy' Pritzker, the aunt of Gov. JB Pritzker and the matriarch of one of Chicago's wealthiest families, died Saturday at 101, the Chicago Tribune reported. She's been a force in the city's public library system, working to increase the public library system's book budget in the late 1900s. She also brought to the Chicago Public Library Foundation a library commissioner instrumental in overseeing the construction of dozens of libraries from 1994 to 2012. Her service will be private. The obit is here. SPOTTED — IRISH EYES: It was a see-and-be-seen weekend celebrating St. Patrick's Day. At the American Partnership's annual breakfast at the Union League Club, we spotted Alds. Walter Burnett Jr. and Brian Hopkins, Clerk of the Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson. The Irish Fellowship Club dinner at the Michigan Avenue Hilton on Friday evening also drew a crowd, including Chicago parade Chair Jim Coyne, Illinois Attorney Gen. Kwame Raoul, state Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Commissioner Bill Daley and Ald. Bill Conway. Business and political movers and shakers packed the St. Patrick's Day Party at Gibsons. It was hosted by Neal Zucker and Marko Iglendza and Ashley and Pam Netzkey. Gov. JB Pritzker and MK Pritzker were spotted swaying along with the bagpipers who entertained. Also in the room: Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, state Rep. Margaret Croke, Alds. Timmy Knudsen and Bill Conway, former Mayor Richard M. Daley and former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley (who held their annual party on Saturday). Sen. Dick Durbin made it back from Washington, D.C., to attend the Saturday service at Old St. Patrick's Church. And Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson were front and center for the Chicago St. Pat's parade. TAKING NAMES — Museum founder Peggy Montes helped establish Chicago's Women's History Month — and still is a 'lady in motion,' by the Sun-Times' Mariah Rush — PERFECT GAME: William Duff Jr., who recently retired as executive director of the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association, was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress Illinois State Hall of Fame on Saturday. And Keith Hamilton, the new executive director of the Illinois association, is being inducted into the National USBC Hall of Fame in Las Vegas in May. Hamilton was inducted into the International Bowling Media Association Hall of Fame in 2021. THE NATIONAL TAKE — White House seriously considering deal from Oracle to run TikTok, by POLITICO's Dasha Burns, Megan Messerly, Brendan Bordelon and Meredith Lee Hill — 'Beyond my wildest dreams': The architect of Project 2025 is ready for his victory lap, by Michael Hirsh for POLITICO Magazine — Liberal group calls for Schumer to step down as minority leader after spending bill vote, by POLITICO's Jessica Piper Transitions — Federal judge Jim Shadid to become Bradley University's next president: 'Shadid currently serves as a senior U.S. District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, appointed to that position by President Barack Obama,' by CIProud's Andy Kravetz. — Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications CEO Mary Patrick is retiring after working at the firm for 40 of its 44 years of business. Starting July 1, senior VP Jessica Smith, who's also a managing partner, moves up to CEO. And COO Lauren Foley takes on a managing partner title, too. Founders Jim Terman and Rick Jasculca aren't going anywhere. EVENTS — Tonight: State Rep. Bob Morgan is holding a town hall with a guest speaker: Congressman Brad Schneider. Details here — March 26: Immigration is the subject of a Working Women's History Project forum featuring University of Illinois professor Xóchitl Bada, Southside Together's Dixon Romeo and Chicago Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto. Your Playbook host is moderating. Details here — April 12: Dave Kohn, Chicago Water Management deputy commissioner by day and rock drummer at night, hits the stage with Kitty Devine and the Big Whoop at Montrose Saloon in Albany Park. Details here HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Wayne Township Supervisor Randy Ramey, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, Invariant exec and former U.S. Senate policy adviser Joe Bushong, political consultant Chris Shaffer, MBM Advantage Managing Partner Mark Peysakhovich, public affairs pro Larry Farnsworth, real estate guru Kathleen Weiss Boyle, Assistant AG Jake Leahy and journalist Maureen O'Donnell.
