| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | Happy Monday, Illinois. It was harder to get up today, but at least fake spring is back. Let's enjoy it while we can.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, center, with wife Amy Eshleman, right, and Gov. JB Pritzker, left, wave to the crowds during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Chicago, Saturday, March 12, 2022. They also marched Sunday in the South Side parade. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP | After a two-year break, a few familiar traditions returned over the weekend — St. Patrick's Day parades and the loud-mouth rowdies who boo politicians on parade routes. The South Side Irish Parade, known in the day for its brazen drunkenness, saw debauchery subdued in the years before the pandemic shut it down. Yesterday's parade was a reminder of the old days, with Gov. JB Pritzker weathering some boos as he walked with the Carpenters Union. And Mayor Lori Lightfoot took grief, too. It's to be expected during election season, especially in this more conservative part of the city where Republican governor candidate Gary Rabine was well-received. The parade capped a long weekend of celebrating Irish heritage, beer-drinking hooligans and all. And we're still three days away from St. Patrick's Day! On Saturday, Pritzker hosted a St. Pat's reception at the Gage on Michigan Avenue, complete with bagpipers. The event was held for his staff and supporters, and a few electeds popped in too, including Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Senate President Don Harmon, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Former Mayor Richard M. Daley returned to hosting his annual St. Pat's bash, this time at Hugo's in the Gold Coast. The governor and first lady MK Pritzker popped in. Lightfoot, dressed in the kilt she wore for the downtown Irish parade earlier in the day, was seen deep in conversation with Chief Judge Tim Evans. And Daley's siblings were there, too: Bill Daley, the former White House chief of staff; John Daley, the Cook County commissioner; the esteemed attorney Michael Daley; and the always supportive Mary Carol Daley. Friday night was an even bigger affair, with more than 800 people at the Hilton on Michigan Avenue for the Irish Fellowship Dinner and a parade of elected officials (only cheers for this parade). The governor and mayor attended, as did Sen. Dick Durbin, Harmon, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and his wife, judicial candidate ShawnTe Raines-Welch, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, secretary of state candidates Anna Valencia and Alexi Giannoulias, and potential mayoral candidate Paul Vallas. — Crowds, maskless and ready to move on, flock to see the river green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day, by WBEZ's Becky Vevea — Sen. Dick Durbin: "God's smiling on the South Side for this great coming out party." Sun-Times' Tom Schuba reports — Northwest Side Irish parade returns: 'It feels really nice to be back out,' by Tribune's Olivia Olander
| | THE BUZZ | | An Illinois judge's ruling last week could mean additional "craft cultivation" cannabis licenses will be handed out soon, allowing for cultivating and packaging of weed for sale in dispensaries. Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Gail Noll ruled on three of four issues in a consolidated court case about scoring issues for candidates who applied for craft grow licenses. The lawsuits have locked up efforts for new businesses to enter the industry two years after adult-use cannabis was legalized in Illinois. The delay has been problematic for candidates who were required to secure property as part of the application process. The delay in the courts has posed a financial hardship for the up-and-coming business owners, many of whom are minority owned. On Thursday, Noll ruled on three of the cases, determining some candidates had standing to complain about how their applications were scored, while others didn't. Most importantly, she said the state can announce winners of the licenses, an important step in allowing potential businesses to move ahead and keep hold of properties they have secured. A fourth case within the consolidated lawsuits could still be appealed, though it isn't expected that that would change Noll's decision to allow winners of the lottery to be notified. Noll is expected to enter orders today, and industry professionals are hopeful that craft grow licenses could go out within a month. "Judge Noll's decision has now paved a way to move the craft grow process forward," David Standa, an attorney representing a group of craft growers not involved in the lawsuits, told POLITICO after the virtual court hearing. RELATED — Proposal to protect workers from getting fired for off-the-job marijuana use advances with Illinois lawmakers, by Tribune's Robertt McCoppin — Budget deal in Washington is latest sign of Democrats' empty weed promises, by POLITICO's Natalie Fertig. 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 | | At World Wide Technology Raceway – Infield Media Center in Madison, Ill., at 10:30 a.m. for an announcement. At Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey at noon to discuss investments in higher education.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | In a virtual meeting at 8:10 a.m. with Mayor Ihor Terekhov from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to discuss humanitarian support.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | Covid Update | | — Obama, in Chicago this past Thursday, tests positive for Covid: "I've had a scratchy throat for a couple days, but am feeling fine otherwise," Obama said. Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reports — Lightfoot reiterates consequences for unvaccinated city workers as vaccine deadline approaches: Twelve Chicago aldermen called on the mayor "to end disciplinary action against unvaccinated city workers," by ABC 7's Maher Kawash — Chicago Public Schools will still require masks in some settings; mask-optional policy begins today despite CTU opposition, by Tribune's Karen Ann Cullotta
| | DAY IN COURT | | A Chicago man has been arrested on charges he posted threatening messages on Facebook directed at state Democratic Rep. Deb Conroy. According to law enforcement, Cort Chubko's post threatened that "heavy arms are being moved into and distributed across Dupage County. PEOPLE ARE PAST PISSED and READY TO FIGHT.", "(expletive) is GOING TO get ugly in DuPage County.", "This woman and all like her is the reason I own AND CARRY guns.", "You know how I respond to fear Conroy? I move a little lever from SAFE to FIRE." and "But know this Conroy and I couldnt be more serious… ALL HELL will come down on you, your staff and your office and your PRotection Detail isn't going to be nearly enough to stop it." The alleged threats came about as far-right groups (and some Republican competitors) spewed misinformation about a bill Conroy is carrying that would allow state data to be released more quickly to county health departments. The bill is now holding in the Rules Committee, not likely to see the light of day in this legislative session. "The lies told by the DuPage Policy Journal and doubled down on by colleagues on the other side of the aisle for personal political gain made moving the bill too dangerous for me and my staff," Conroy told Playbook.
| | | | SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL SECURITY DAILY : Keep up with the latest critical developments from Ukraine and across Europe in our daily newsletter, National Security Daily. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could disrupt the established world order and result in a refugee crisis, increased cyberattacks, rising energy costs and additional disruption to global supply chains. Go inside the top national security and foreign-policymaking shops for insight on the global threats faced by the U.S. and its allies and what actions world leaders are taking to address them. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | MADIGAN MATTERS | | — INSIGHT: A source close to former Michael Madigan's court case disputes speculation based on previous high-profile indictments that the feds could go after his campaign fund — which currently sits at $10.5 million. The indictment against Madigan does not include charges related to his campaign. That differs from the corruption cases against former Govs. George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich, where campaign funds were integral to the charges. In the case against Blago, the former Democratic governor was charged specifically with shaking down a hospital executive for a $50,000 campaign contribution. And in Ryan's case, the indictment said his staffers (while he was secretary of state) were required to solicit campaign funds during the course of business hours. — Did McClain speak for the House speaker? A legal battle to watch for in Madigan case: "Former Speaker Michael Madigan's indictment says he 'directed the activities of his close friend and associate, [Michael] McClain, who carried out illegal activity at Madigan's direction.' And the feds have portrayed McClain as a Madigan surrogate," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Gas prices on the table as Illinois lawmakers discuss options for lowering costs: "Two Republican lawmakers unveiled a plan Thursday to try and bring down Illinois gas prices," and Senate President Don Harmon says he's in talks with the governor on the issue. "Republicans aren't the first ones to think of other ways to do this. Stay tuned. We're trying to find some way to provide relief to taxpayers at the gas pump." State Journal-Register's Andrew Adams reports — Lawmakers, medical groups call for Pritzker administration to investigate Blue Cross Blue Shield: "The contract dispute that disrupted continuity of care and sent medical bills skyrocketing for Springfield Clinic patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans impacted several state and federal lawmakers living in Central Illinois," by WCIA's Mark Maxwell and Renée Cooper. — Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the 'woman who saved lives and changed (Illinois) for the better,' via USA Today's Women of the Year report — Illinois selected as 4-seed in 2022 NCAA Tournament, via SB Nation
| | LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | | — Facing criticism over rising crime, Pritzker proposes $20M for witness protection program that's never been funded, by Tribune's Jeremy Gorner — Republican Rep. Tim Butler's bill would allow recall of Cook County State's attorney, via WMAY
| | | |   | | | | | CHICAGO | | — Chicago advocates say the pandemic and political interference led to a census undercount, by WBEZ's Esther Yoon-Ji Kang — Recent violence blamed on youths highlights Chicago teens in trouble and efforts to save them: "The recent surge in gun violence, including carjackings, has led to increased calls for a more punitive response for offenders in general. But those working in the system strongly caution that juveniles need to remain a special consideration in the criminal justice system, stressing that brain research does not support a return to punitive responses," by Tribune's Annie Sweeney and Stephanie Casanova. — 7 seriously hurt in South Chicago mass shooting, by Sun-Times' Elvia Malagón and Sophie Sherry. — Contractor status keeps rideshare drivers' pay below minimum wage, report says, by Sun-Times' David Roeder — Cubs owners go from crying poor to trying to buy Chelsea FC: "Ricketts family reportedly interested in bidding for the English Premier League club," by Sun-Times' Rick Morrissey. — Loyola is the No. 10 seed in the South Region. The Ramblers will play No. 7 Ohio State on Friday in Pittsburgh, by Tribune's Gavin Good — LeBron fandom, and the making of a friendship in Steppenwolf's 'King James,' via The New York Times.
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | Fentanyl linked to more overdose deaths in the suburbs: "In DuPage, 137 people died from overdoses in 2021. More than 60% -- 83 -- were linked to fentanyl. Only one person died from heroin alone, compared with 13 in 2019," by Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith.
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | Why Illinois voter turnout drops so much in midterm elections, and what we can do to narrow the gap: "Experts say to close the gap in midterm turnout, Illinois could take more steps to make it easier to vote, including moving Election Day to Saturday. Online voting remains years away as proponents attempt to figure out how to keep that method of voting secure. The state also could consider ranked-choice voting, which is used in a couple dozen cities and had a moment in the spotlight in New York's mayoral race in 2021," by Eric Krol in Center for Illinois Politics.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — About two dozen candidates seek to fill Bobby Rush's historic shoes: "The list of hopefuls has grown exponentially in the last two months and currently includes a state senator, a Chicago alderman, at least two teachers, two pastors, a few nonprofit leaders, a couple of businessmen, a realtor and a 'violence interrupter,'" by WBEZ's Becky Vevea. — PETITION WRAP-UP: Today's the last day for candidates to turn in their petitions for a chance to appear on the June 28 primary ballot. After today, the election process moves into the next chapter: candidates can challenge the signatures submitted by their opponents. — Analysis | Davis, Miller go from teammates to archenemies: "Miller and Davis have savaged each other since their competing campaigns began. Miller calls Davis 'RINO-Rodney,' and not because she's alleging he has a protruding proboscis. The first word is an acronym for Republican in Name Only. Davis, in turn, charges 'carpet-bagger Mary Miller' is affiliated with far-left Democratic 'Squad' members like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York," by the News-Gazette's Jim Dey. — Democrats trail Esther Joy King in fundraising race to replace Cheri Bustos, by WCIA's Mark Maxwell — McHenry Co. to hand count random race in hopes of boosting confidence in elections, by Shaw Local's James Norman
| | | | DON'T MISS POLITICO'S INAUGURAL HEALTH CARE SUMMIT ON 3/31: Join POLITICO for a discussion with health care providers, policymakers, federal regulators, patient representatives, and industry leaders to better understand the latest policy and industry solutions in place as we enter year three of the pandemic. Panelists will discuss the latest proposals to overcome long-standing health care challenges in the U.S., such as expanding access to care, affordability, and prescription drug prices. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked when you've forgotten to change your clocks for the time change: State Rep. Suzanne Ness: "I forgot to change my clocks the first year that I moved back to Illinois from Arizona, where they don't change clocks. I spent the entire day being an hour late for everything until the last appointment when someone finally brought it to my attention." When did it hit you that Covid-19 was here for the long haul? Email skapos@politico.com
| | RUSSIA-UKRAINE | | — Trump's shadow lurks over Biden's support for Ukraine: "As the administration works out how to stop Putin's invasion, the critics at home are circling," by POLITICO's Jonathan Lemire. — U.S. sees 'broadening' of Putin strategy in Western Ukraine strike: "National security adviser Jake Sullivan says strike near NATO territory 'does not come as a surprise to the American intelligence and national security communities,'" by POLITICO's Brianna Crummy. — Ukrainian-born Walter Polovchak — the Cold War's 'littlest defector' — lives happily in Illinois but is devastated by events in his homeland: "In 1980, his parents had decided to go back to Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, but Walter and his older sister, Nataly, refused," by Tribune's Madeline Buckley. — Pregnant woman, baby die after Russia bombed maternity ward, by The Associated Press — American journalist Brent Renaud is killed in Ukraine, via The New York Times — Opinion | Polls show the public is willing to sacrifice for Ukraine. History suggests Biden shouldn't count on it, by Jeff Greenfield in POLITICO
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Adam Kinzinger regrets not voting to impeach Donald Trump in the first go-round, via Twitter — Liz Cheney turns to Democrats to save her hide, by POLITICO's Tara Palmeri — GOP Senate candidates thrash each other ahead of fight for majority, by POLITICO's Natalie Allison — Who, us, fight? Senate GOP vows 'respectful' Supreme Court hearings, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine — Congress weighs permanent daylight saving time in a debate as regular as clockwork, via Washington Post
| | EVENTS | | April 28 at 6 p.m.: Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and Republican National Committee finance chairman during Donald Trump's reelection campaign, headlines a Maine Township Republican event at Cafe La Cave, 2777 S Mannheim Road in Des Plaines, according to Journal & Topics.
| | TRIVIA | | FRIDAY's ANSWER: Congratulations to PSG Energy Group's Ashvin Lad for correctly answering that in 1962, Stephen Bailey, a labor leader and general chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, met a plumber who had been working on water-pollution controls using a vegetable dye (to trace the flow of waste) that had turned his white overalls bright green. "Eureka," Bailey said. TODAY's QUESTION: Who's the politician who led the way for Chicago to take over mass transit in the city? 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.
We have been 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 have been increasing remote access to mental health services.
We have been supporting safer pregnancies and expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine.
Recognizing the strong connection between housing and health, we have been 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 | | Dentons adviser, former state senator and former state Democratic Party Chair Gary LaPaille, former state Rep. Emily McAsey, WMRD Commissioner Kim du Buclet chief of staff Dean Alonistiotis, Sundance Institute board chair and former Michelle Obama aide Ebs Burnough, former Chicago alderman and broadcaster Cliff Kelley, and Cook County Hospital pediatrician Demetra Soter. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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