| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | Happy Thursday, Illinois. We're in a production pickle today. Thanks for sticking with us.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Former President Barack Obama waves to the crowd during the second half of the Bulls game against the Boston Celtics in Chicago, Wednesday, April 6, 2022. | AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh | A day after visiting the White House, former President Barack Obama swooped into Chicago, where he talked policy and hit a Bulls game yesterday. He's scheduled to meet with students from Hyde Park Academy High School today. The Obama sightings give an inkling of what life might be like when the Obama Presidential Center is up and running and the former president headlines events there. Yesterday's conference at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics was titled "Disinformation and the Erosion of Democracy." Obama had opinions. He expressed concern about the decline of local newspapers, social media companies profiting on conflict, and "anger-based" journalism, he told Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic editor-in-chief, who conducted the interview. "What we've seen is a shift in technology and who controls these platforms in ways that are not transparent and that has contributed to anger, a sense in which we are no longer operating by the same rules or on the same facts," Obama said, according to Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles. And he acknowledged that he "underestimated the degree to which democracies" were vulnerable to disinformation. He pointed to Donald Trump's Big Lie: In spite of the proliferation of smartphones "roughly 40 percent of the country appears convinced that the current president was elected fraudulently," he said, making no attempt to hide his dismay. H/T CNN's Brian Stelter Obama also addressed the conflict in Ukraine, calling it "a bracing reminder for democracies that had gotten flabby and confused and feckless around the stakes of things that we tended to take for granted in our democracy: rule of law, freedom of press and conscience." Tribune's Rick Pearson has a full report. FYI: On April 13, Obama's scheduled to sit down with NBC "Today" show's Al Roker to talk about the environment and his new Netflix documentary, "Our Great National Parks." Is he trying to one-up Ken Burns?
| | THE BUZZ | | Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration is placing prominent ads in newspapers across the country promoting Chicago's diversity and making a dig at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing the "Parental Rights in Education" bill — better known by its critics as "Don't Say Gay." "Across the country, legislative actions are underway to regulate what students can or cannot read, what they can or cannot learn, and who they can or cannot be," read the full-page ads, which also list a series of headlines about anti-LGBTQ legislation that's popped up around the country. In Chicago We Believe, the ad continues. The ads are appearing in today's editions of the Dallas Morning News, Orlando Sentinel and the Phoenix Business Journal. They follow Chicago's 2021 Dear Texas ad that called attention to that state's restrictive voting laws. Florida's new law bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it last week. Michael Fassnacht, president and CEO of World Business Chicago, an economic development arm of the city, said he and his team were concerned about the Florida bill and other pieces of legislation that chip away at LGBTQ rights. "That would just never happen in Chicago, Ill.," he said. "It would create a climate of culture that doesn't really include all the amazing people we have in our city." The Chicago ads are meant to draw businesses and talent, according to Fassnacht, who is also the city's chief marketing officer. "It's targeted to people who are starting their careers and are looking where they can build their professional lives or start a company," he said, calling it a brand statement about Chicago's values. "Do you want to start a company somewhere you aren't respected for who you are? Here, you can reach what you want to reach or be who you are." Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in Illinois and communities across the country, CVS Health has been there. We've opened more than 4,800 COVID-19 test sites, administered 41 million tests and given 59 million vaccines. We've expanded access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine, increased remote access to mental health services and invested in affordable housing to help build healthier communities. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. Learn more. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | In the Cook County Building at 9 am. to announce the inaugural Cook County Equity Fund Report "outlining the county's commitment to address historic disinvestment and inequities in Black, Brown and other marginalized communities."
| | LEGISLATION | | — WHIFF OF A BUDGET | House Dems unveil $1.3B tax relief plan, $45.7B budget, but talks with Senate, Pritzker ongoing: "With two days remaining before the scheduled end of the legislature's spring session, the House Executive Committee voted along party lines to send a $45.7 billion spending plan for the year that begins July 1 to the floor of the Democratic-controlled chamber. But the House adjourned hours later without taking up the measures as negotiations with Senate Democrats and the governor's office continued," by Tribune's Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Clare Spaulding. … Dems' plan "jibes" with the governor's so-called "Illinois Family Relief Plan," report Sun-Times' Taylor Avery and Mitchell Armentrout … WTTW's Amanda Vinicky details the "trio of plans" that offer tax relief. … Insight tweeted by Rep. Kelly Cassidy about the budgeteers: Watching Majority Leader Greg Harris and Republican Rep. Tom Demmer debate the budget in executive committee and "realizing the depth of knowledge that is leaving the chamber after this year. These two have encyclopedic knowledge of the state budget and next year will be interesting with new budget leads on both sides." Harris isn't seeking reelection and Demmer is running for state treasurer. — GOP sponsored bill guaranteeing patient visitation during a pandemic passes with bipartisan support, by Tribune's Clare Spaulding — Lawmakers expected to consider nursing home staffing and care tied to new funding formula, by Tribune's Robert McCoppin — Tim Egan, president and CEO of Roseland Community Hospital, one of Illinois' designated "safety net hospitals," has written a letter to legislators in support of $55 million in Covid-relief funding and a Medicaid reimbursement hike for the Illinois State Ambulance Association.
| | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | IN THE SPOTLIGHT | | SLEIGHT OF HAND: Moderate Democrats in Springfield pulled a familiar move Wednesday to ram a series of public safety bills through the House. They brought up the bills the same day as the vote, giving little time for progressives to study the language and no time for the public to comment. It's the kind of move Democrats make on Republicans when they want to get legislation passed quickly. "My concern is that I can't sell this to people in my district because it doesn't make them feel safer," Democratic Rep. Curtis Tarver II told Playbook. He points to House Bill 1103, a new measure that would prevent law enforcement from using cameras on expressways to profile people. Problem is, if someone is concerned about a video and wants to see it, the Illinois State Police wouldn't have to answer a FOIA because it doesn't have the staffing to do so (even though the governor and both chambers are pushing to beef up cadet classes so there would be more employees to process FOIAs). The legislation also requires that the video be deleted after 180 days. "It doesn't set a good precedent to allow an agency without any proof of a unique hardship to exempt itself from FOIA, then simultaneously require that agency to destroy the very evidence that could prove profiling," said Tarver, who didn't vote on the bill. HB 1103, along with other public safety measures pushed by moderate Democrats, passed the House with Republican support and are headed to the Senate, where they could be taken up as early as today. RELATED Dart, legislators want to enlist automakers in curbing carjackings: "A proposal announced Wednesday would require automakers to create a hotline that law enforcement can use to find stolen cars," by Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito.
| | POT-POURRI | | — With license delays persisting and Illinois legislative session ending, situation called 'dire' for some weed entrepreneurs: Legislation is still up in the air that would allow craft growers to start up with 14,000 square feet of space, instead of the 5,000 that the law currently allows. The applicants for craft grow licenses say it's difficult to create financially sustainable businesses with such tight limits, and that they have the capacity to go bigger from the get-go, by CBS 2's Tara Molina. — Buzzkill | Clouted pot company can't legally move dispensary to site of old Rainforest Cafe: "State law prohibits the shop from opening at 605 N. Clark St. because three other dispensaries are already nearby," by Sun-Times' Tom Schuba
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — ENTERPRISE | Pritzker's battles over crime now being seen on state boards: "Two boards that deal with the politically charged issues of crime and law enforcement — the Prisoner Review Board and the Illinois State Police Merit Board — are facing vacancy problems," write Tribune's Ray Long and Jeremy Gorner.
| | MAYOR'S RACE 2023 | | Candidate Ray Lopez says first thing he'd do as mayor is fire police chief: "He has been a failure," Lopez said, to applause, vowing to find the new superintendent from within the CPD ranks. Sun-Times' Fran Spielman reports. From skycap to candidate for mayor, Tribune's Gregory Pratt does a deep dive into how Lopez came to this place No alderman has been elected mayor before, reports NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern
| | | |   | | | | | CHICAGO | | — More cash and less congestion? Bally's claims casino would actually reduce traffic — but River West residents say don't bet on it: "Rhode Island-based Bally's Corporation pitched its plan for a sprawling gambling complex on a 30-acre plot near Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue, which is currently home to the Chicago Tribune's printing plant — and the source of traffic headaches on a daily basis," by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout. — Lightfoot's gas and transit giveaways hit rough patch — even after income threshold reduced: "Many City Council members questioned the mayor's motives. Others noted the $12.5 million cost and wondered if improving security should come first. The prepaid cards would cover about two tanks of gas or five CTA round-trips," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Navy Pier's newest installation: Expo Chicago: "The international art event is being held in-person this year for the first time since 2019. From Thursday through Sunday, it will feature pieces from 140 galleries across the world," by Sun-Times' Cadence Quaranta. — IT'S TERMINAL: The construction of the billion dollar Terminal 5 (T5) project at O'Hare reached a milestone yesterday as it started to re-number the gates. T5 is scheduled to open later this year. VIDEO — Preaching to the margins: Chicago synagogue adopts anti-Zionism as a 'core value' : "Tzedek's rabbi Brant Rosen says he doesn't think move will shift mainstream US Jewry, but insists there's space for a synagogue anchored in belief that Judaism belongs in Diaspora," via The Times of Israel. — It's Cubs opening day: What you need to know, via NBC 5
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | Former CPD Supt. Garry McCarthy named interim chief of Willow Springs police: "A news conference announcing the appointment is set for Thursday morning in the southwest suburb," by Sun-Times' David Struett.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Attorneys ask judge to vacate 39 remaining cases tied to disgraced CPD sergeant: "A motion filed earlier this week seeks summary judgment on behalf of dozens of people who have waited for years to prove that they were wrongfully arrested by Sgt. Ronald Watts or officers working for him," by Sun-Times' Matthew Hendrickson. — Madigan's former chief of staff was interviewed by FBI as far back as 2019, lawyer reveals in unsealed filing , by Tribune's Jason Meisner and Ray Long
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — OPPO | Now it's Pritzker whose Chinese investments draw attention: "Shortly after Irvin backer Ken Griffin's Chinese investments came to light, there's word that the governor's blind trusts put money in companies with Chinese military ties," by Crain's Greg Hinz. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Anna Valencia has come out with a series of policy initiatives in her bid for Illinois secretary of state. She wants to create a DMV online payment portal, launch an app, stand up self-service kiosks to renew vehicle registrations, and implement "blockchain solutions to protect data." The goal, her campaign said in a statement, is to "modernize government." (It's not an oxymoron.) Valencia led a similar modernization effort in the Chicago City Council, where she serves as clerk, by instituting electronic voting. Policy initiatives spelled out here — Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor, refers to "transgenderism and wokism" as "moral rot that is destroying society," in an interview with John Fredericks of Outside the Beltway . Bailey says God "intended the family unit to be headed by the dad." Democrats called it another example of Republicans embracing "far-right incendiary rhetoric." What happens when mom makes more money? — Richard Irvin is featured in a profile piece about his life leading up to his campaign for governor. The Republican mayor of Aurora said running a state isn't much different than running a city: "All a state is is a number of cities, just like the city of Aurora. So if we can do it here, we can do it everywhere throughout the state and improve the entire state and make the whole state safe." via National Review — Rep. Rodney Davis' campaign criticized Republican Rep. Mary Miller and the "dark money Super PAC" that funded a TV ad for her to the tune of $400,000. In a statement, Davis' campaign called the Club for Growth Action PAC an opponent to the farm bill and pointed to the irony that "Miller has raked in over $1 million in government subsidies from Farm Bill programs over the years." — ENDORSEMENTS: Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar has been endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor, SEIU Local 73, IUOE Local 150 and Teamsters Local 777 in his bid for reelection. — Amid allegations of grooming, Tom McCullagh drops out of state race: "Channahon police say criminal charges are not being pursued at this time," by Patch's John Ferak.
| | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | Your Playbook host mistakenly repeated yesterday's question asking who you listen to for inspiration in public speaking, and more thoughtful responses came in: Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi: "FDR. He found a way to break down complex issues into stories that everyday Americans could follow. His pacing, modulation, and use of humor were masterful."... Comms specialist Judy Pardonnet turns to Vince Lombardi and his speech about a job well done: "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle — victorious." For tomorrow, what do you do when your video is turned off during Zooms (for me, it's the dishes)? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Trump can't stop, won't stop harping on his loss, by POLITICO's Meridith McGraw — In the fight against Putin, Senate unanimously approves measure that once helped beat Hitler, by POLITICO's Andrew Desiderio — Adams banked his NYC mayoralty on public safety. Crime skyrocketed during his first 100 days in office, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin and Sally Goldenberg — History in the making: The Senate is set to confirm Judge Jackson. Here's what to watch for, via New York Times
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | — Striking broadcast technicians reach tentative settlement with WTTW, reports Daily Herald's Robert Feder — In state capitols, nonprofit newsrooms are filling gaps left by newspaper cuts: "The overall number of journalists covering statehouses in the U.S. has risen since 2014, but fewer reporters are covering the capitols full-time, according to a new report," via Nieman Journal.
| | TRANSITIONS | | Adam Beckerink is a partner in the corporate practice group of Duane Morris LLP, where he'll represent multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals in tax disputes, controversies and other litigation. He previously was a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — August 'Augie' Sallas, who headed printers union, 'knew a lot of people,' dead at 86: "He was chief of the Chicago Typographical Union Local 16 when it waged and settled a strike against the Chicago Tribune in the late 1980s and was active with the Little Village Community Council," by Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey for correctly answering that Sunken Garden at Robert Allerton Park & Retreat Center in downstate Monticello prior to 1915 served as the garbage dump for the adjacent estate. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the political candidate who sent someone in a chicken costume to protest an incumbent's refusal to debate? Email skapos@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: At CVS Health, we're more than 300,000 caring employees ensuring Illinoisans and millions of Americans can access health care services.
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Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Former first lady of Illinois and PR pro Jayne Thompson, Young Invincibles Midwest engagement manager Troy Alim, nonprofit leader Oren Jacobson, Wasatch Front regional comms manager Mike Sobczak and POLITICO colleague Daniel Lippman. -30-
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