IDOC defends drug tests, reveals 414 workers' comp claims have been filed 'relating to exposure to a chemical substance,' many by the same lawyer

* Remember this?...

The story was also about claims that drugs are being sent through the mail and about growing demands that the Illinois Department of Corrections start electronically scanning mail and sending images of that mail to prisoners, even though that hasn't really done much about the prison drug problems in other states.

* Anyway, I reached out to IDOC about the failure rate and here's what they sent...

The statistics for the IDOC tests are dramatically different than the reports from New York. IDOC has facilities that use the Detectachem test kits, the Sirchie Nark II test kits, and/or SwabTek test kits. ISP believes these tests are suitable for DOC to use as a preliminary step to detect and identify potential illegal drugs. All positive tests are considered preliminary positives, and the results are sent to the ISP lab for independent testing. 

In total (all scheduled drugs) this year, IDOC has submitted and received results back from ISP for 323 items that tested positive when using the tests at the facilities. Of those 323 preliminary positives, 235 (72.5%) were confirmed positive by ISP and 88 (27.25%) returned negative results. It is our understanding from detailed discussions with ISP that given the significant challenges in testing in this area, a 72.5% confirmation rate for positive results is a good rate that supports the continued use of these test kits. 

The drug test kits are a tool but not reliable for a full identification, which is why results are considered preliminary and are sent to ISP for confirmation. The three test kit groups listed below (Sirchie NARK II, Detectachem and SwabTek) all work on the basis of a chemical reaction and an observed color change. This is why the process considers on-site testing preliminary and conducts further testing. 

This can be subjective. 

Given the prevalence of fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in the prison system across the United States it presents a challenge for the use of test kits.  These are some of the more challenging drugs to screen with reagent color changes, especially given the sheer number of compounds available. It is all the more challenging given the lack of control status for many of the substances. The ISP laboratory performs a general screening on these types of submissions and does not take results of field testing into consideration to prevent bias in the analytical process

* At the end of the email, the IDOC spokesperson justified the move to mail scanning by pointing to the huge number of workers' comp claims filed... 

IDOC must address the mail in an effort to stop the increase in workers’ comp cases. As of now, CMS has received 414 workers’ compensation claims [as of last week] from IDOC employees relating to exposure to a chemical substance.

According to the governor's office, 102 cases have advanced to the Workers’ Comp Commission and all of those workers are being represented by attorney Tom Rich.  

* You might remember Mr. Rich.  This is from 2012... 

Some Illinois prison guards who received workers’ compensation settlements had only mild carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists or similar elbow injuries and might not have needed surgery, according to a newspaper investigation.  

Guards at the Menard Correctional Center have filed about 230 repetitive trauma cases that resulted in more than $10 million in partial disability settlements since January 2008. They claimed their injuries were from locking and unlocking cell doors and were awarded between $20,000 and $80,000 each. The surgery that guards had was a factor in how much money was awarded. 

The Belleville News-Democrat reported that it asked two neurologists to review diagnostic nerve testing results for 50 of the guards that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. 

The neurologists concluded that of those cases, 80 percent to 85 percent were mild and likely could have been treated without surgery. They cautioned, however, that without examining the patients, their conclusions would not be up to medical standards. [...] 

Attorney Tom Rich, who handled many of the 230 claims, said many of his clients were “horribly injured” by repeatedly operating locks but returned to work after surgery and received settlements. The newspaper said he declined to comment for the article.

Time is a flat circle.

Roundup: Madigan corruption trial

* Tribune…

Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis had been secretly cooperating with the FBI for more than a year when he received an unexpected voicemail that surely caught the attention of agents listening in from the wire room. 

 “Danny, it’s Mike Madigan,” said the unmistakable voice on the June 2017 message. “Would you call?” […]

“I think they understand they’ve got some issues that they still have to deal with me in terms of zoning,” Solis on the June 23, 2017, call, which was played in court. 

“I think they understand how this works, you know, the quid pro quo, the quid pro quo.” 

Madigan sounded a bit caught off guard by the remark, but answered “OK.” 

* Capitol News Illinois…

On Monday, nearly 7 ½ years after that conversation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur asked Solis why he’d used the phrase “quid pro quo” in the call.  

“I don’t know,” Solis said after a pause. “It was dumb.” 

 “Say that again, please?” MacArthur asked, one of many times she asked Solis to keep his voice up during his hours on the stand Monday.  

“I thought it was too blunt but basically what I was trying to say was we could have this meeting and he could probably get business from them, and I could work on the zoning,”  

Solis testified that his FBI contacts hadn’t instructed him to use the phrase. But according to testimony from Special Agent Ryan McDonald last week, Solis was carrying out directions to give Madigan the impression that the alderman’s approval of necessary zoning changes was contingent on the developers hiring the speaker’s law firm.

* Sun-Times…

In another phone call five days later, Madigan is heard asking Solis: “I’m going to see you tomorrow? … Could you come a little early?”  

That was a reference to the meeting with Union West, set for July 18.  

“Maybe you and I could talk before we meet with them,” Madigan suggested.  

They did meet early, behind a closed door, and Madigan brought up Solis’ comment about a “quid pro quo” that MacArthur had asked him about earlier Monday.  

“You shouldn’t be talking like that,” Madigan is heard saying, very quietly. “You’re just recommending.”

* Courthouse News…

 [J]urors also heard Solis ask Madigan to keep discussions about the Chinatown development on "the QT."  

When MacArthur asked him why he wanted to keep the issue quiet, Solis explained he was worried then-Republican Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and other Illinois Republicans might use it as political ammo against Chicago Democrats.  

"I didn't want people, especially in Rauner's camp, to think this was something they could do against Democratic aldermen in the city," Solis said on the stand.  

Solis will likely speak more about the Chinatown deal on Tuesday. He has been on the stand since late Thursday afternoon, though there were no trial proceedings on Friday. His testimony is expected to last several days at least.

It’s just a bill

* First, some background from Forbes…

AI's primary role in healthcare has focused on back-office automation and infrastructure improvements. This includes streamlining intake forms, generating meeting notes, and providing comprehensive summarization services. Companies like DeepScribe have successfully implemented AI for transcription services, while emerging platforms like Thoughtful AI are revolutionizing back-office automation through enhanced payment claims processing and claims management using AI agents. Agents have the ability to take actions and perform work autonomously, similarly to a human, such as by opening applications, copying and pasting, etc.  

Language models combined with agents will create artificial general intelligence (AGI), an AI that can do almost anything a human can. Many experts now project that AGI could arrive as soon as 2028, a significant acceleration from previous estimates, due to rapid advancements in the technology. AGI trained on appropriate medical datasets could surpass clinicians' abilities in diagnosis, treatment planning, and even the administration of treatment.

* Med City News…

Many providers may not realize AI tools are being used to review their claims, and these systems are not built with provider interests in mind. While AI has the potential to streamline processes, its current use in the revenue cycle is resulting in more claim denials, payment delays, and a greater need for appeals, particularly because payers often use AI to retroactively review medical necessity determinations. To navigate this AI-driven landscape, hospitals need to develop expertise to combat the biases and errors inherent in these systems.

One of the biggest issues with AI in claims processing is the lack of transparency. Payers rarely disclose that AI is being used or explain how it operates, and providers are often unaware of the algorithms driving these AI systems. This leaves hospitals with little information to contest AI-generated denials.

Without insight into the logic behind these denials, hospitals are at a disadvantage, especially given the added administrative burden of contesting them. For example, AI audits frequently occur after hospitals have completed due diligence, received authorization, and have been paid for a claim. AI systems may retroactively re-evaluate the claim and decide that medical necessity wasn’t met. This can lead to payment reversals, requiring hospitals to use even more resources to contest claims that were initially approved. In short, AI-driven post-payment audits delay payments and erode trust between hospitals and payers, putting hospitals under financial strain. […]

In an effort to combat payer AI denials, some hospitals have implemented their own AI tools to handle claims. While this might seem like a good solution, it can backfire. Payers’ AI systems are increasingly sophisticated and can sometimes detect when they are countered by another AI system rather than a skilled human. This can trigger more denials, as payer systems may overlook or reject automated responses, perceiving them as less credible.

* Crain’s…

Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, is introducing a new piece of legislation today aimed at regulating how health insurance companies leverage artificial intelligence to make coverage decisions.  

The bill’s working title, Artificial Intelligence Systems Use in Health Insurance Act, would give the Illinois Department of Insurance regulatory oversight of Illinois health insurance providers' use of AI to make or support adverse determinations that affect consumers, such as care claims denials. And it would effectively ban the sole use of machine-learning or generative AI to deny care or coverage. […]

The legislation would require any adverse decision be reviewed by a health care professional. It would also expand the type of information insurers would be required to share with the IDOI when using AI. […]

Health insurers, like other insurance companies, often use AI to expedite claims approval and denial processes as they deal with high claims volume. But concern over how that's affecting consumers and their health is growing, especially as more patients and physicians report insurance plans denying coverage for care. Investigations by ProPublica and others have revealed the use of AI can sometimes contribute to care denials.

 * HB5918…

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Systems Use in Health Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance's regulatory oversight of insurers includes oversight of an insurer's use of AI systems to make or support adverse determinations that affect consumers. Provides that any insurer authorized to operate in the State is subject to review by the Department in an investigation or market conduct action regarding the development, implementation, and use of AI systems or predictive models and the outcomes from the use of those AI systems or predictive models. Provides that an insurer authorized to do business in Illinois shall not issue an adverse consumer outcome with regard to the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that result solely from the use or application of any AI system or predictive model. Provides that any decision-making process for the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that results from the use of AI systems or predictive models shall be meaningfully reviewed, in accordance with review procedures determined by Department rules, by an individual with authority to override the AI systems and determinations. Authorizes the Department to adopt emergency rules to implement the Act and to adopt rules concerning standards for full and fair disclosure of an insurer's use of AI systems. Makes a conforming change in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

 

"Reese walked into my office, closed the door, sat down, and, without any context, said, 'Jews...'" (Updated)

* October...

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s communications director is leaving City Hall, sources told the Tribune Wednesday.

Ronnie Reese, who led Johnson’s press office since the transition in May 2023, will exit the role after a tumultuous year-and-a-half that’s seen the administration struggle at times with media strategy. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the mayor said Johnson press secretary Erin Connelly has been appointed acting communications director and will run the mayor’s press office moving forward. The departure was not a voluntary decision by Reese, sources with direct knowledge of the situation told the Tribune.

Reese leaving marks a key shake-up in the mayor’s inner circle. Long a close friend of the mayor’s, Reese previously worked as a deputy press secretary for the Chicago Teachers Union before serving as press secretary for Johnson’s winning 2023 mayoral campaign.

 

* Fast forward...

 

OK, remember these are only allegations.  But Reese wasn't exactly revered as a nice guy while he was on staff.

* From one of the files...

I'd like to begin by stating that | was extremely reluctant to bring forward this complaint due to the hostile and retaliatory environment created by Ronnie Reese, a senior staff member of the Mayor’s Office. Reese has already fired seven former members of the Mayor’s Press Office, has threatened current staff with termination, and has blacklisted three former employees on the City’s Do Not Hire list. He is also named in other complaints and his mistreatment has been documented by the press. | hesitate to come forward out of fear of retaliation and termination. 

Under Reese's management, the Mayor’s Press Office has become a hostile workplace where anyone can be deemed what Reese calls an "opp" (operative or opposition) and face severe exclusion and retaliation. This label is often given simply for talking to certain staffers or colleagues. Those labeled as “opps” are systematically left out of crucial emails and meetings, treated coldly, and have their role reduced by Reese. Attempts by staffers to address these concerns would only make things worse, as Reese takes suggestions as criticism and concerns as challenges to his authority. 

| have personally experienced mistreatment by Reese in the form of sexual harassment, misogyny, exclusion, and unfair treatment. The increasing hostility in this environment has left me in constant fear for my job and well-being. 

Below | outline incidents that | have experienced along with documentation:

Keep reading.

* More...

In a disturbing incident, Reese walked into my office, closed the door, sat down, and, without any context, said, “Jews...” His inappropriate and antisemitic remarks left me feeling deeply uncomfortable. [...]

Referred to [Redacted] as the "Jew." [...]

He has shown a pattern of misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-latine behavior. He has made comments to and around his staff, including asking a [Redacted] "so, the Jews?" 

He routinely treats women on staff differently, making comments that they're stupid and incompetent. He degrades his staff, people he works with outside the Mayor's Office, and talks disparagingly about other staff to his junior staff. Not only does he harass verbally, but he also bullies people via email and text messages on City devices, with some of his direct reports keeping the screenshots. His reports have not gone to DHR or EEO in fear of retribution and firing, and some are already being retributed against by icing out and more harassment. This has been consistent since the Mayor has taken office in May 2023. 

* Another...

Date Created: 2024-07-18 21:52:15
Description of Incident: | was a part of a conversation with several members of the Mayor's Office Comms/Press team where several members of the team expressed grave concerns with their manager Ronnie Reese. Concerns included intimidation, hostile work environment, and nappropriate comments around race. Several of the team members indicated that Mr. Reese either blatantly indicated that he was "untouchable" and couldn't be fired or eluded to that.

* This is quite something...

THE MAYOR’S PRESS OFFICE MEETING WITH THE CHIEF OF STAFF

-  Reese did not attend the meeting as he was on PTO.
-  The beginning of this meeting was incredibly off-putting as it began with blaming the previous administration for parking meters, for a lack of infrastructure, and no updated personnel handbooks. While this may be true, it felt unrelated to the issue at hand and felt like a way to shift accountability.
-  The Chief of Staff (CoS) also stated at the beginning of the meeting that “all firing and hiring goes through me” and told us we don’t have to worry about retaliation. However, this was visibly unconvincing to the group as the questions that followed her statement challenged this in the context of the seven firings that had already occurred.
-  The CoS repeatedly advocated for Reese’s inclusion in meetings about this matter and referenced “peace circles” but the team was unanimously against his inclusion due to the shared fear of retaliation.

-  As team members spoke up, others used terms like “misogynist,” “hostile,” “narcissistic,” and “petty.”
- The CoS brought up restorative justice but one member of the team pointed out that in order for restorative justice to work, there has to be an ability and willingness for change which the team does not see in Reese.
- Members of the team repeatedly rephrased questions about how this situation would be dealt with that the CoS did not directly answer.
- The meeting did not result in any additional clarity or changes.
- The meeting ended with a unanimous agreement that the present members of the Mayor’s Press Office team did not want to meet with the CoS and Reese to discuss this matter.

...Adding...  Tribune...

In a statement he released on Tuesday, Reese denied all the accusations and said he never mistreated any staffers.

“I strongly and unequivocally deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” Reese wrote. “Throughout my career, I have carried myself with the utmost professionalism and respect for all of my peers, something to which many of my former colleagues at the City of Chicago and previous employers can attest. There are many, many others who know my character, and who know the truth. I stand confident in that truth as I continue to prioritize my wife, my children and the health of my family in the next chapter of my career.”

 ...Adding...  Best comment so far...

Peace circles and restorative justice for sexual harassment — can’t make this stuff up. It’s like SNL doing a parody of a progressive workplace. If they burn enough incense and snap their fingers to the positive vibes, the harm will go away.

Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and small. 

 

We Are Retail and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like Stephanie, who serve their communities with dedication and pride.

Open thread

 * What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…

Isabel’s morning briefing

 * ICYMI:  ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever' expected at airports across the country this week, including Chicago. NBC Chicago...

- According to TSA, more than 18.3 million people expected to move through airports across the country beginning Tuesday. 
- In Chicago alone, 1.8 million people are expected to pass through Midway and O'Hare International Airports between Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2, the Chicago Department of Aviation said. 
- The surge in passenger traffic amounts to an expected increase of 11.4% compared to Thanksgiving 2023, the CDA said.

*** Statehouse News ***

* WAND | Illinois lawmakers left veto session without passing gun control plans: Many hoped gun control would be a major priority for lawmakers during veto session, but that period has come and gone. Now, lawmakers and advocates are determined to get guns out of the wrong hands during lame duck session in early January.  "When a firearm is involved in a situation of domestic violence, time is of the essence," said Amanda Pyron, Executive Director of the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. "Risk of intimate partner homicides increase 500% when abusers have access to a gun."

*** Statewide ***

* Capitol News Illinois | Conservative group asks U.S. Supreme Court to review Mike Bost’s challenge to how mail-in votes are counted in Illinois: Two lower courts have already ruled against Bost’s 2022 case against the Illinois State Board of Elections. The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled in August Bost lacked standing to sue in the case.  But the legal fight is not over for Judicial Watch, which filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 19 asking the court to take up the case in hopes justices might strike down Illinois’ law.  “Specific holdings in this case will tend to make the next electoral cycle as fraught as 2020,” the group argues.

*** Chicago ***

* WBEZ | Chicago policing real costs could be nearly double next year’s $2.1 billion budget, former city analyst finds: Johnson’s nearly $2.1 billion CPD budget does not account for pensions, benefits or vastly underbudgeted spending on overtime and legal defense, according to Jonathan Silverstein, who left the Council Office of Financial Analysis in 2020. Silverstein’s report says these and other hidden costs could total $1.7 billion, lifting next year’s police spending total to $3.8 billion.

* Sun-Times | Chicago's upcycling artisans host alternative Black Friday shopping experience: The artisans include Maggie Joyce, who makes colorful jewelry from recycled eyeglasses; Kate Wolicki, who uses old textiles such as thrifted neckties to create bags and more; and Chris Wooten, who transforms furniture found in Chicago’s alleys into unique wooden bowls, utensils and even chessboards.  The upcycled crafts fair will also feature eco-friendly activities and coincides with Small Business Saturday. It’ll be held at several shops, including Irish bistro Mrs. Murphy & Sons, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.; fitness studio Free MVMT Shop, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave.; and Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream, 1943 W. Byron St.

* Tribune | Too Midwestern for a megasale? In some markets, mansions are selling for $100M and up, but not in Chicago. Here’s why: The dearth of megasales in the Chicago area is probably linked to the fact that local listings tend to be less pricey than in other cities, families here tend to assemble large homesteads rather than buy them, and buyers bring good old-fashioned Midwestern sensibility to the process, agents said.

* Block Club | Inside Chicago’s Essential Dive Bars: Photos From 14 Iconic Watering Holes:  Reporter Linze Rice and photojournalist Colin Boyle hit up many of the classic Chicago spots. Here’s a peek inside and outside the ones they visited.  For the full story about the bars’ histories, vibes and clientele, click here.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Herald | One Aurora mayoral candidate removed from the ballot: Karina Garcia’s name will not appear on the ballot because the electoral board ruled she did not file a proper economic interest statement.  Instead of listing the position she was seeking in the form, Karina Garcia entered her job.  The form, which candidates had to file with the Kane County clerk, asks for a person’s job title. Underneath the lines to be filled in, it reads: “Office, department or agency that requires you to file this form.”

* CBS Chicago | Some suburban Chicago leaders say Supervisor Tiffany Henyard is using turkey giveaway as distraction: The township holds turkey giveaways annually. But some believe Henyard used the event this year to defer from the work that needs to be done by township government.  Henyard was enthusiastic giving out smoked ham hocks and smoked turkey at the Thanksgiving giveaway. She called herself, "You super Mayor Tiffany Henyard" and "the people's mayor-slash-people's supervisor."

* Daily Herald | Mundelein pot store wants second recreational lounge: The first lounge opened in 2021 and was the first in the Northwest suburbs.  Creating a second lounge will allow Rise to offer live comedy and musical performances or art classes without disturbing lounge customers who don’t want to partake in such activities, according to a memo from its parent company, Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries, to the village.

*** Downstate ***

* Illinois Times | Springfield grapples with increased crime: [Antwaun Readus Sr.], a barber at First Class Barbershop, 100 N. Wesley St., and vice president of the nonprofit Better Life Better Living for Kidz, pleaded at the council meeting for approval of a $30,000 loan from the city for the financially strapped but respected organization. More youth programs are needed to intervene in the lives of young people to prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators of crime, he said. The 43-year-old Springfield native was frustrated by bureaucratic delays that had prevented Better Life from getting access to a $215,000 grant awarded to the group a year ago.

* WSIL | EEOC sues employer, alleges transgender employees were subjected to harassment at Carbondale Wendy's: The EEOC stated in its lawsuit, the agency charged the Wendy's location in Carbondale subjected a class of transgender employees to persuasive sexual harassment which includes misgendering, graphic sexual comments, unequal access to bathrooms, intrusive questions and degrading conduct based on gender identity.

* WSIL | Giant City State Park plans programs for December: On Saturday, December 7th, grab your cold weather gear for an easy stroll to spot winter birds. Starting at 9 a.m., Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, park volunteer and Southern Illinois Audubon Society member, will guide spotters along the easy third-of-a-mile Post Oak Trail. You'll want to bring along your binoculars for that one.

*** National ***

* AP | Walmart becomes latest - and biggest - company to roll back its DEI policies: The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are sweeping and include everything from not renewing a five-year commitment for an equity racial center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd, to pulling out of a prominent gay rights index. And when it comes to race or gender, Walmart won’t be giving priority treatment to suppliers.  Walmart’s moves underscore the increasing pressure faced by corporate America as it continues to navigate the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 ending affirmative action in college admissions. Emboldened by that decision, conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations, targeting workplace initiatives such as diversity programs and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups.

Live coverage

  Hi all! Thanks for sticking with us through this predicament. You can click here to keep up with the Madigan trial. For our old live coverage list click here and here. 

Selected press releases (Live updates)

 

Isabel’s afternoon roundup

 * NPR Illinois…

A group of five statewide education organizations released a blueprint for the future of Illinois education called Vision 2030. 

The broad plan revolves around three pillars: future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding.

Gary Tipsord with the state’s regional superintendent group says the school code has more than doubled since 2000. But with more responsibilities, schools need flexibility to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

“How do we get more agility in the system of public education," he said, "so that we can better meet the needs of the students, the economy, the opportunity base that they may have?"

That could be learning flexibility like expanding college and career exploration opportunities; financial flexibility for districts to use funding to address their specific needs; or license flexibility to attract new teachers.

 * Another view on licensing flexibility…

 Several years ago, the legislature made it easier for business people to get certified to teach.

* WBEZ…

Vision 2030 says the state should continue pumping an additional $350 million into the “evidence-based” funding formula, as it has since 2018. The report asserts school districts need that kind of predicability when it comes to funding for building repairs.

“We have not made significant investments, year over year, in establishing equitable statewide funding for capital and safety needs,” Monn said. “Some of the suggestions are increasing access to state maintenance grants and perhaps exploring a statewide sales tax, similar to some county sales taxes.”

The officials also recommend a host of changes to the state’s assessment and school rating system. Currently, students only take one set of tests at the end of the year; ratings, such as exemplary or commendable, are based heavily on the results of those exams. While students take the tests in the spring, schools don’t get the results until the fall.

The delay in getting the scores “really impacts the utility of those results and makes it difficult for us to make any real, quality decisions about improving our schools and the potential outcomes for our kids,” said Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association.

* NBC Chicago…

Illinois officials are investigating after “one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds” was discovered in a suburban waterway.  

According to an alert from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, naturalists discovered Hydrilla growing in a waterway in suburban DuPage County.

The reported cluster of Hydrilla is only the second known instance in the state of Illinois, according to an alert.  

The weed is illegal to buy, sell or transport in the state of Illinois, and may have inadvertently been released from a homeowner’s aquarium or water garden, according to the alert.

* Sun-Times…

The Bears say they want to stay in Chicago, but their potential drive to the northwest suburbs just got easier.  

Team officials announced Monday they’ve reached a tentative agreement with the village of Arlington Heights and local school district leaders who’ve sparred with the Bears over the property tax valuation on the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse, the 326-acre plot the team closed on early last year as a potential new stadium site.  

After about a year of wrangling over the size of the team’s property tax bill — and a year of political roadblocks to the Bears’ hopes for funding a new stadium in Chicago — the team says it has a memorandum of understanding that opens the runway for them to land in Arlington Heights.

But their first choice is still Chicago, team officials insist, raising the constant question of whether Bears’ latest announcement is a push for leverage in stadium negotiations that have now stretched over three years.

*** Chicago ***

* Tribune | Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to restore consent decree positions in Chicago police budget: The mayor’s office released a statement that he would introduce a budget amendment adding back the 162 vacancies he slashed in his 2025 budget that center on roles across the offices of constitutional policing, community policing and more. It’s the latest instance of the mayor reversing course on a controversial provision in next year’s budget, which faces a $1 billion hole, including backing down on an original proposal for a $300 million property tax hike.  

* WTTW | A Race to Secure Federal Funding for the Red Line Extension as Advocates Say Trump Administration Poses Risks to Chicago-Area Public Transit: With transit advocates hopeful they’ll see shovels in the ground next year to kick off the long-awaited Red Line Extension, the Chicago Transit Authority is racing to finalize the $1.9 billion in federal funding needed to complete the 5.6-mile project before the Biden administration leaves office. “We are in the final phases of that process,” CTA President Dorval Carter told the agency’s board of directors earlier this month. “We’re working very closely with (the Federal Transit Administration) to complete their portion of the review process so that we can stay on track to execute a grant agreement between now and early next year.”

* Tribune | High-profile police commander tied to troubled Kevin Jackson case: Kevin Jackson was released from prison last month, more than two decades after he was convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a man at a West Englewood gas station.  Now 43, Jackson has always maintained his innocence. Police and prosecutors said several witnesses identified him as the shooter, but each recanted at Jackson’s 2003 trial while claiming threatening, intimidating and coercive efforts by the two lead Chicago police detectives assigned to the case.

* Crain’s | Illinois Center owner hit with massive foreclosure lawsuit: A venture led by AmTrust RE defaulted on its $260 million mortgage backed by the two-tower, 2.1 million-square-foot complex at 111 E. Wacker Drive and 233 N. Michigan Ave., according to a lawsuit filed late last week in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint, filed by lender Deutsche Bank on behalf of bondholders in the loan, alleged the AmTrust entity has failed to make its loan payments since January.

* NBC Chicago | New Illinois tollway takes steps forward as planning wraps up: A brand-new Illinois tollway will aim to connect motorists to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, with the project taking significant steps forward.  Numerous officials were on-hand this week as renderings and planning details were shared on Interstate 490, which will connect the Jane Addams Tollway near Des Plaines on its northern terminus to the Tri-State Tollway in Franklin Park on the southern end, skirting the western edge of O’Hare in the process.

* CBS Chicago | Thanksgiving holiday travel already picking up at Chicago's Midway Airport; airfares jump: Founder and chief executive officer of Points Path Julian Kheel said because there is seeing such high demand for airfare, prices are higher.  "We are seeing record numbers increases over last year; increases over the rest of 2024," said Kheel, "and especially if you're buying a ticket this late, you're going to have to expect to pay a pretty penny for it."

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Block Club | County to streamline unwieldy electronic monitoring programs - but nobody wants to manage it: Sheriff Tom Dart has been vocal about shuttering his office’s electronic monitoring program for years, notably blocking the release of 55 people in 2018 that he deemed too high-risk for ankle bracelets, according to the Chicago Tribune. Last month, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans told the Cook County board that consolidating the programs under his office was “not something I embrace readily.”

* Daily Herald | Lake judge throws out charges against Waukegan clerk, but appeals coming: “We respect the court’s opinion but strongly disagree with its findings on this matter,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. “We appreciate the hard, ethical, and principled work of the investigators on this case, and plan to appeal in short order.”  Kilkelly’s attorneys said Friday in a statement they were “thankful” but not surprised by the ruling and “were always confident that Janet was 100% innocent of all charges.”

* Tribune | Downers Grove-based Hearthside, under investigation for alleged child labor, files for bankruptcy: Downers Grove-based Hearthside Food Solutions, which is under investigation by the U.S. and Illinois labor departments for alleged child labor violations, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Texas on Friday.  The food manufacturer, which was named in a sweeping investigation into migrant child labor published by the New York Times last year, said it didn’t expect any disruptions to production or other company operations.  

* Aurora Beacon-News | West Aurora School District charges ahead with plan to add electric buses: The district has a fleet of 73 buses powered by diesel engines, half of which are under two-year leases due to expire at the end of the school year.  Several changes made the school district’s administration look closer at a proposal to make a switch to add some electric buses, including competitive pricing, federal funding and rebates.  

* Daily Herald | With 15,000 tons of salt on hand, Kane County DOT is ready for winter: Drivers have already run practice routes and trucks have been serviced and inspected in preparation for the season. Way said the only thing left to do is finish putting up snow fencing to help prevent drifting in rural areas.  Each year, the Kane County DOT uses an average of roughly 8,000 tons of salt.  Thanks to lighter winters in recent years, Way said they have maintained a healthy supply of salt, with about 15,000 tons of salt currently on hand.

* Daily Herald | Sen. Murphy collecting holiday cards for long-term care residents: Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat who represents the 28th Senate District, is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write handmade or store-bought cards for donation. She is also encouraging local teachers and students to participate and use their creativity to bring joy to older adults in the community during the holidays.

*** Downstate ***

* SJ-R | How Central Illinois became a hotbed for esports on high school, college levels: Skeptics may think esports is just kids playing video games, Bibb said, “but there’s also a lot of strategy that goes into it.”   Teamwork is imperative. It's something that becomes especially visible in an esports arena.  The Capitols, a co-op between Springfield High, Southeast and Lanphier that began in 2019, recently settled into its decked-out arena at Lanphier last winter. Part of the school’s $93.5 million renovation, it resembles a computer lab, but the space is exclusive to the Capitols. 

* WMBD | Illinois landmark to appear on ornament this year: A Southern Illinois State Park iconic formation to be showcased on an ornament this year.  The Iconic Devil’s Standtable formation at Giant City State Park was chosen by the Illinois Conservation Foundation to be featured on this year’s state park series ornament, said Jenny Vaughn, the acting executive director for the foundation.

* WCIA | Illinois football legend Dana Howard indicted on federal wire fraud charges: Just weeks after Howard was given a notice to appear in Champaign County court, a federal grand jury indicted the all-time leading tackler in Illinois Football history on wire fraud charges related to his construction business in East St. Louis. Howard’s business partner, Richard Myers, and his bookkeeper, Glenn Sunnquist, were also named as defendants. The 21-page indictment charged Howard with nine counts of wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, making false statements and failure to pay taxes. Myers was charged with eight counts and Sunnquist with three.

*** National ***

* CBS | Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know: On social media service X, Microsoft posted a message early Monday that it is assessing "an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar." The problem appears to be affecting Microsoft users globally, according to posts from users.  "We've identified a recent change which we believe has resulted in impact. We've started to revert the change and are investigating what additional actions are required to mitigate the issue," Microsoft added in a subsequent post. 

Illinois Needs Energy Storage Now!

[The following is a paid advertisement.}

In six short months, Illinois families will see their energy bills rise, as much as $30 per month for the average homeowner, due to a recent energy capacity auction. New legislation – HB 5856 and SB 3959 – would help avoid future increases by building battery storage to increase our energy capacity and keep our grid reliable, clean, and affordable. 

Keep Illinois energy reliable, clean, and affordable by passing battery storage legislation now to help prevent future rate increases, before it’s too late. 

 

Madigan trial roundup: Prosecution airs out ex-Ald. Solis’ dirty laundry

* Tribune…

Jurors in the Michael Madigan corruption trial on Monday got their first look at a secretly recorded video of the then-powerful House speaker soliciting business for his law firm from the developer of a Chinatown hotel project. 

 “We’re not looking for a quick killing here,” Madigan said near the end of the August 2014 meeting, which was recorded on a hidden camera by developer See Wong, who was cooperating with the FBI. “We’re interested in a long term relationship.”  

The video was played during the testimony of former Ald. Daniel Solis, the then-head of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, who told the jury he’d arranged the meeting at Madigan’s request.  

At the time, Solis was not cooperating. In fact, the meeting took place nearly two years before the FBI confronted him with evidence of his own wrongdoing, leading to Solis’ decision to go undercover himself. 

* Sun-Times…

Solis says that Chinese developer Kin Kuong Chong — introduced to him by See Wong — wanted to build a “franchise Best Western hotel” in Chinatown across Wentworth from Chinatown Square, just north of the Red Line parking lot.  

MacArthur shows jurors a picture of the parking lot.  Solis testifies that Madigan reached out to him about Chong, asking “if I could bring Mr. Chong over for a meeting so he could make a presentation.”  “

I complied,” Solis says.  “Were you aware that one of the participants [of the meeting], See Wong, was audio and video recording the meeting?” MacArthur asks.  

“No,” Solis says.   […]

A key comment from that second part of the meeting came from Solis, who said Chong “will get anything he needs for that hotel” by working with Madigan on his real estate tax bill.

* FOX Chicago…

Solis testified he told the Chinese developer there was no better firm than Madigan’s and if he gave Madigan the real estate tax business, then Solis would make sure the Zoning Change would happen. And it did pass.  

The developer said he would contribute to a fundraiser to re-elect Solis. 

Madigan’s attorney said the tapes prove that Solis was the real criminal, trading favors, accepting bribes, taking payoffs.  

Solis testified he told the Chinese developer to do business with Madigan because the speaker can get anything he wants when it comes to state government. The hotel was never built.   

* Dave Byrnes from Courthouse News is covering the trial on Bluesky…

* The Sun-Times’ federal courts reporter Jon Seidel…

* The Tribune’s Jason Meisner…

I don't get it

 * The voracious hunger of massive data centers for electricity is most definitely becoming a major issue.  Illinois subsidizes their construction, but, other than those construction jobs, they typically employ only a few full-time people.  

So, while I was glad to see the Sun-Times tackle this topic, I was confused when I saw this passage...

A large data center uses enough electricity to power entire neighborhoods or even small cities. This is happening as Illinois and other states seek to phase out fossil fuel energy sources to fight climate change.

Linda Young, 68, sees nothing positive about a proposed “quantum computing” project at a long-abandoned steel mill site along Lake Michigan just over 2 miles from her South Shore home. She worries about the effects on the lake and other environmental ramifications from the almost 130-acre development, but is also concerned about the potential for higher property taxes.

The South Side quantum project is separate from AI research and is not a data center. But its electricity use is likely to be similar to that of a “small” data center, a spokesman for the company PsiQuantum said.

Told that data centers and other projects by tech companies are helping to increase ComEd bills because of high electricity demand, Young, a retiree and grandmother of four, said: “Just living is enough of a struggle. Is quantum computing really about making our lives better?”

Emphasis added because what the heck?

Do you know what else can use huge amounts of electricity?  Manufacturing.  But when a factory expands or is built in Illinois, rarely does anyone even mention the increased strain on the grid.  Why? Because new jobs and wealth are created. 

Quantum is still a gamble. But it will likely create lots of high-paying jobs in the near term as it develops.  Comparing that benefit to a far more power-sucking and near human-less data center is just bizarre.

Anyway, the rest of the story is pretty good.  And Illinois most definitely should rethink its data center subsidies.  

* Also, a recent Sun-Times editorial mentioned something else that must be in the mix: More high-voltage transmission lines...

Also up for the lame-duck session are proposals backed by the Clean Jobs Coalition for improving energy conservation and writing new rules for the power sector to make it more climate friendly. There also will be legislation to support the construction of large electrical battery storage facilities that can store electricity from peak solar and wind generation and make it available when needed.     

Yet another bill would encourage the construction of high-voltage transmission lines to connect clean energy generation facilities to the power grid and distribute the power where it is needed. That’s an important part of any effort to shift to clean energy.     

Those measures deserve support from lawmakers. So does improving public transit, which can help reduce pollution from the transportation sector.”