| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | Good cold morning, Illinois. It's minus 3 degrees as I write this with an expected high of 11 — thank goodness for face masks!
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin confers with a staff member during the Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, City Council meeting. | Photo by POLITICO's Shia Kapos | AURORA — Mayor Richard Irvin, who's running in the Illinois Republican primary race for governor, hasn't taken questions since he announced his run by video nine days ago. So, naturally, we made the trip to Aurora and were all ears when he was asked last night, "why run for governor" when there's more work to be done in Aurora? A few more questions came his way, but he didn't respond. Albeit these questions weren't from journalists. They came from public commenters during an Aurora City Council meeting, a two-hour event that Irvin ran with precision. It's not unusual that he wouldn't explain his views on Texas' abortion law or whether he and the council would affirm that Joe Biden was legitimately elected. We all know how public comment processes can go. But since Irvin and his running mate, Avery Bourne, haven't talked much yet about their vision for the state, showing up at a public event seemed like standard fare and your Playbook host decided to watch Irvin in action running a council meeting. After all, he's going to get chased down a lot when he's on the road campaigning. He might as well get used to it now. What we saw: The mayor convened the meeting right on time, embraced residents with big hugs upon their receiving honors for their good deeds, and listened attentively during the comment period — even if he didn't respond to questions.
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Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin congratulates a member of the Aurora Noon Lions Club on the group's 100th anniversary during the Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, City Council meeting. | Photo by POLITICO's Shia Kapos | Your Playbook host did briefly catch up with him after the meeting, which was apparently a surprise to Irvin. "I'm totally excited about the campaign and announcement and I look forward to riding throughout Illinois and talking to people about what we need to do to make a difference in Illinois," he said. Even if he wasn't eager to talk, he definitely sounded like a man running for office. Asked why he hasn't been available for questions, Irvin pivoted like a champ: "We've got a lot of problems in Illinois. Crime is out of control. Taxes and wasteful spending is out of control. Corruption is out of control. I look forward to riding throughout the state and talking to residents about taking our state back." And why does he think some folks have labeled him a Democrat? Irvin, who was inching toward the stairs to his office by this point, wrapped up the conversation, saying that when he's in City Hall, he's focused on Aurora issues — not politics. With that, he turned on his heel and climbed the steps to the third floor, saying he looks forward to talking to all of us reporters when the time comes.
| | THE BUZZ | | The big topic of discussion today is the weather. "An extreme cold snap has moved into the area, with wind chills forecast to reach well below zero, making for a cold commute Wednesday morning," reports ABC 7's Diane Pathieu. Some schools are even closing. Here's the list. Temps will ease up as a few inches of snow fall, according to the Tribune. If you're in Chicago, it's a good day to stay inside and watch City Council action. — Interesting factoid: This isn't 1967, when a storm that started Jan. 26 "stalled tens of thousands of vehicles and shuttered schools, businesses and airports," writes the Daily Herald's Barbara Vitello. But could it happen again? Yes, say the experts. 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 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 50 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 | | At the Metrobus Operations Illinois Facility in East St. Louis at 10:30 a.m. to announce investments that support local transit and ports projects downstate through Rebuild Illinois.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | In City Hall at 10 a.m. presiding over the City Council meeting.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | Covid-19 Update | | — Omicron still ominous: 'Rapid decrease' in most Covid-19 metrics stirs hope, but Illinois death rate sparks flashbacks: "While deaths 'still are quite high' in Chicago at a rate of about 19 per day, other numbers suggest relief could be on the way, Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said," by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout. — Illinois schools could see fewer student quarantines from Covid-19 close contacts, by Tribune's Karen Ann Cullotta, Joe Mahr and Tracy Swartz
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Chicago area advocates seek release of the last remaining immigrants in custody in Illinois: "A recent federal court order allowed a new law in Illinois to move forward, which calls for local entities to end existing contracts that previously allowed local jails to house people facing deportations," by Sun-Times' Elvia Malagón. — Legislation creating clearinghouse for veterans' complaints becomes law without Pritzker's signature: "[The legislation] creates a veterans' accountability unit within the state VA, with a director to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. While it will operate independently of the department, the new unit will be funded out of the agency's budget," by Tribune's Dan Petrella. — Slated for early closure last fall, Dresden nuke now could run 30 more years: "Exelon confirms it will file for a 20-year license extension for Dresden, the oldest nuclear plant still operating in Illinois," by Crain's Steve Daniels.
| | | | JOIN FRIDAY TO HEAR FROM GOVERNORS ACROSS AMERICA : As we head into the third year of the pandemic, state governors are taking varying approaches to public health measures including vaccine and mask mandates. "The Fifty: America's Governors" is a series of live conversations featuring various governors on the unique challenges they face as they take the lead and command the national spotlight in historic ways. Learn what is working and what is not from the governors on the front lines, REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | REMAP ROAD MAP | | — Judge grants TRO in lawsuit over gerrymandering of Madison County's judiciary: "The order signed by Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin is in effect until Feb. 15 when a hearing will be held on the County's motion for preliminary injunction," by Madison-St. Clair Record's Steve Korris. — As deadlock over Chicago ward map continues, Black, Latino caucuses to meet behind closed doors: "Friday's meeting will give delegates from both caucuses a chance to see if a deal can be reached, Ald Gilbert Villegas said. But if not, the Latino Caucus remains willing to ask voters to let Chicago voters decide," by WTTW's Paris Schutz and Heather Cherone. VIDEO at 9:20
| | CHICAGO | | — CPS nearing Covid-19 testing goal, CEO says, after slow start to in-school screening: "We are making sure that across our 515 schools that we have a minimum of 10 percent of students (who) are unvaccinated ... giving us consent for testing," Martinez said at a news conference. "I can tell you right now that we're now close to 90 percent of hitting that target, so our focus is going to be to get to 100 percent." Tribune's Tracy Swartz reports. — Archdiocese consolidates parishes in Evergreen Park, by Sun-Times' Clare Spaulding — Mars Wrigley closing Chicago chocolate plant: "The company plans to wind down operations at its West Side facility with 280 employees over the next two years," by Crain's Ally Marotti. — Little Village Arch expected to get landmark status at today's council meeting, by Tribune's John Byrne — Trump Tower condo owners stand to receive $222,000 property tax refund from Chicago Public Schools: "[C]ondo owners collectively appealed their 2015 Cook County property tax assessments to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. They combined their 484 condo units and 676 parking spaces into one entity when arguing the county had assessed them too high," by Tribune's Alice Yin, Tracy Swartz and Bob Goldsborough. — McDonald's asks SEC to omit racial audit from annual proxy: "The Chicago-based fast-food giant cited pending lawsuits by Black franchisees and employees as a reason to nix the disclosure," via Bloomberg. — McDonald's Workers Are Setting Up Their Own Sexual Harassment Training, according to a story in Vice
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Cicero town president calls Fauci an 'idiot' and 'probably a communist': Still, Larry Dominick "supports vaccinations and masking to fight Covid-19," reports Tribune's Robert McCoppin. — Cook County opioid deaths likely topped 2,100 last year: "The Cook County medical examiner's office recorded 1,840 opioid-related deaths in 2020. As of Tuesday, 1,602 opioid-related deaths had been confirmed for 2021, with 717 cases still under review. Based on past rates for pending cases, it is estimated that the final count for 2021 will surpass 2,100 cases, officials say," by Daily Herald's Eric Petrson. — Pandemic a factor as Lake Forest Hospital officials start expansion process, by Pioneer Press' Daniel Dorfman — Naperville's Bob Odenkirk returning home to promote his new memoir, by Daily Herald's Scott Morgan
| | | |   | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Fernando "Sergio" Mojica joins the race to replace House leader Greg Harris in Chicago's northside 13th district. Mojica, a Chicago Public School principal, would be the state's first openly LGBTQ Latino member of the General Assembly if elected. — Endorsement: State Sen. Melinda Bush and State Reps. Deb Conroy and La Shawn Ford are endorsing Democratic candidate Chelsea Laliberte Barnes for the state House in the newly drawn District 51. — Scott Kaspar, a Republican candidate in IL-06 congressional district, is creating a Public Safety Task Force to address crime in the district. And he's enlisted former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik as an adviser. — Norma Hernandez, who launched her campaign for state Representative in the 77th House District this week, is a Triton College trustee. Your host misidentified her title yesterday.
| | SMOLLETT FALLOUT | | — Smollett sentencing hearing scheduled for March: "Smollett was found guilty by a Cook County jury last month of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying about a racist and homophobic attack on himself in 2019 near his Streeterville neighborhood home," by Sun-Times' Matthew Hendrickson.
| | POT-POURRI | | Bill to limit THC in pot sold at dispensaries draws swift backlash: 'It's almost impossible': "The measure, introduced Friday by state Rep. Mark Batinick, would cap the amount of THC in cannabis flower at 10 percent and set a 15% limit for concentrates and infused products," by Sun-Times' Tom Schuba.
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | Opinion | Your newspaper's not making money? Make it permanent as a nonprofit! "The latest fad cure in the ailing news biz has been a boon for some outfits, stifling for others. … Is it a foregone conclusion that the nonprofit editors and publishers will be better news stewards than for-profit ones they replace?" writes POLITICO's Jack Shafer.
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked about the strangest place you Zoomed in from for a meeting: NPR's Scott Simon zoomed in "from the bedroom of one of our daughters — American Girl dolls behind me."... Scott (Shalom) Klein says pre-Covid, he logged into a meeting while on a cruise ship on the coastline of the glaciers of Antarctica. … Jewish Federation's Daniel Goldwin went virtual while on a United flight to Florida. And JC Strzalka-Steil zoomed "while camping at Rock Cut State Park." When did you make a voting decision based on an endorsement? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE FIFTY | | Governors enjoy cash deluge right before they face the voters: "From 'Walz checks' to nurse bonuses, state leaders are pushing money out the door in a competitive reelection year," writes POLITICO's Liz Crampton.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Harris tries to navigate the D.C. bubble, by POLITICO's Christopher Cadelago and Eugene Daniels — Will there be a war over Ukraine? 13 Putin watchers weigh in, by POLITICO magazine — How Senate Dems reaped the benefits from 2 little-known GOP maneuvers, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Blackstone hires former Chicago treasurer Kurt Summers: "He'll head public-private partnerships, part of a broader push into infrastructure by the private-equity giant," via Bloomberg.— June A. Brown is now a commissioner of the Chicago Board of Elections. Brown is a voting rights advocate and attorney. She replaces the seat occupied by former Commissioner Jonathan Swain. — Becky Galler is national director of political fundraising for J Street and will be based in Chicago. Galler previously served as J Street's Midwest regional director and will now oversee fundraising operations for JStreetPAC, the J Street Action Fund and J Street Grassroots Action as they focus on the 2022 election.
| | EVENTS | | — Tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.: Congressman Chuy Garcia hosts a Facebook Live Q&A with constituents about tax season and how to receive the Child Tax Credit, among other issues. Also participating: Susan Gainous, congressional liaison with the Internal Revenue Service, tax advocate Andrew VanSingel. — Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Better Government Association examines the Cabrini-Green development project and its investigation: " Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises." It's a virtual event, and it's free.
| | TRIVIA | | TUESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats Ald. Jason Irvin and Playbooker Jarod Hitchings for being first to correctly answer that state Sen. Charlie Chew was known for driving a Rolls around Springfield. TODAY's QUESTION: What's the oldest state park in Illinois? Email skapos@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: At CVS Health, we're more than 300,000 caring employees ensuring millions of Americans can access health care services.
We're offering COVID-19 vaccines at more than 9,600 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.
Nothing should stand in the way of mental health and well-being, so we're increasing remote access to mental health services.
We're supporting safer pregnancies and expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine.
Recognizing the strong connection between housing and health, we're investing in affordable housing to support underserved populations and build healthier communities.
Every day, CVS Health works to bring quality, affordable health care into neighborhoods, homes and hands—so it's never out of reach for anyone.
Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Illinois Appellate Court Judge Sheldon "Shelly" Harris, AAR Corp.'s Cheryle Jackson, LIFT Management president Robin Loewenberg Tebbe, and Wells Fargo strategy exec Jon Tomashoff. And a belated birthday to secretary of state spokesman Dave Druker, who celebrated earlier this week. -30-
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