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Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln | | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. Donald Trump returned to Twitter, now X, by posting his Georgia mugshot. Politics is grand. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Illinois Playbook is taking its annual end-of-summer hiatus starting Monday. We'll be back Tuesday, Sept. 5.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | | 
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan, left, and his top aide, Tim Mapes, confer in the Capitol. | Screen shot from NBC 5 file footage | Tim Mapes, the political insider who kept the trains running for then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was convicted on federal charges that he lied to a grand jury in an attempt to protect his boss from a damaging federal investigation into corruption. Now faced with prison, the big question is whether Mapes will flip on Madigan, who faces his own federal trial next year on racketeering, conspiracy and bribery charges. Mapes declined to talk to Playbook about Thursday’s verdict. What he’s facing: A Mapes ally expects the former Madigan aide would not turn on his old boss. It would have to be a “huge deal,” for him to bite. But the stark reality of facing a maximum five years for perjury and up to 20 years for attempted obstruction could change that. Mapes will be sentenced in January. Fall from grace: Mapes once had gravitas and all the power of Springfield in his hands. That changed after he got caught up in a #metoo scandal in which he was accused of harassment and retaliatory behavior. He was cast out from Madigan’s inner sanctum. Then the feds interviewed him about the former House speaker. Mapes didn’t wear a wire and one friend wonders if that put him in a bad spot with the feds. The former Springfield power player also has felt isolated from the many government and lobbying folks he once counted as friends, according to his ally. After the #metoo claims and the perjury charges, fewer people stepped up to offer support. Would that drive him to talk to the feds? We’ll wait and see. RELATED — Get up to speed on the case with NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern — Jury takes 5 hours to convict ex-top aide. ‘This should stand as a clear message,’ by Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel — 14 separate misleading statements formed the backbone of the attempted obstruction charge: “The jury found that prosecutors had proven every one,” by Tribune’s Jason Meisner and Ray Long — Three women who brought #metoo allegations against Madigan circle find relief and hope in guilty verdict of ex-top aide, by Sun-Times’ Tina Sfondeles and Jon Seidel — The trial also revealed how Madigan’s inner circle ‘strategized around sexual harassment allegations,’ by Capitol News’ Hannah Meisel — Lawmakers condemn Mapes’ conduct, GOP renews call for reform, by Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner and Dan Petrella
| | THE BUZZ | | New details on little-known Obama Presidential Library, tucked away in Hoffman Estates: U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan, whose National Archives and Records Administration, operates presidential libraries, talks about the library in an interview with Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet. Items tucked away: “Obama’s silver BlackBerry. The draft of Obama’s first inaugural speech he wrote on a white, lined paper pad. A signed Pittsburgh Steelers football. A jeweled sword — a gift from Saudi Arabia. A Michelle Obama dress.” If you are Barack Obama, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com
| | WHERE'S JB | | In Creal Springs at 9:45 a.m. to break ground at the Saline River Farms expansion project — In Carterville at 11:45 a.m. to give remarks at Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort ribbon cutting — And at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m. for the fair opening.
| | | WHERE's BRANDON | | | At 2641 W. Harrison St. at 6:45 p.m. for a Chicago Public School's Friday Night Football Game Coin Flip.
| | | Where's Toni | | | No official public events. The newsletter’s taking next week off but my email still works, so send me a line: skapos@politico.com
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO APP: Stay in the know with the POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | THE STATEWIDES | | — Governor and Biden official promote investment in female trade workers ahead of the Dem convention, by Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner — More than 66,000 Illinoisans can expect a check from the state’s Unclaimed Property program, by CIProud’s Sean Lisitza — Opinion: Denying Blagojevich a place in the hall of governors ‘is petty,’ writes Illinois Times’ Scott Reeder
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Democratic state Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr. is now vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. He's been actively involved with NCSL since 2016, serving on the Executive Committee, the Task Force on State and Local Taxation and the Task Force on Energy Supply among other panels. The VP position is a stepping stone to becoming president. Details here
| | CHICAGO | | — Migrants returned to controversial police stations as crisis intensifies: “The Ogden and Town Hall police districts had originally been emptied due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The city said a rising number of immigrants arriving has forced them to reuse the stations,” by Sun-Times’ Michael Loria. — Health of migrants at police stations is in the hands of volunteer Mobile Migrant Health Team, by Sun-Times’ Michael Loria — Chicago Covid cases and hospitalizations on the rise: “Northwestern team warns of undiagnosed long-Covid consequences,” by Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and Angie Leventis Lourgos. — Chicago blames carmakers as thieves livestream thefts, by Bloomberg’s Isis Almeida — Chicago officially hit 100 degrees for first time in more than a decade, and it felt even hotter, by WTTW’s Patty Wetli — Winter will be warmer, too, by NBC 5’s James Neveau
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — State law ensures red-light cameras will remain at Harlem and Cermak: North Riverside lobbyist Chris Nybo says he had a role in drafting legislation signed by governor in July, reports Landmark’s Bob Uphues. — College of DuPage faculty members authorize strike, by Daily Herald’s Katlyn Smith — 75 years and counting: Wheeling celebrates Superdawg brand's anniversary, by Daily Herald’s Russell Lissau
| | 2024 WATCH | | — SPOTTED: Sen. Dick Durbin headlined a fundraiser at Democratic donor Fred Eychaner’s home the other day for Congressman Eric Sorensen (17th). Also joining: state Rep. Kam Buckner, Ald. Timmy Knudsen, former Ald. Dick Simpson, Sidetrack owner Art Johnson, SPAAN Tech CEO Smita Shah, McGuireWoods Consulting’s Greg Bales, Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson, Haymarket Center CEO Dan Lustig, attorney Ted Tetzlaff, Chicago Real Estate Resources’ Eric Janseen, nonprofit consultant Kevin Conlon and former TV reporter Larry Yellen.
| | ...SWAMP THINGS... | | — Schiller Park man charged in Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection: Prosecutors say he attempted to grab an officer’s baton, by WTTW’s Dan Lambert
| | | | Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked for your favorite GOP debate moments. Vincent Brandys: “Nikki Haley quoting Margaret Thatcher! ‘If you want something said, ask a man ... if you want something done ask a woman.’” Greg Hart: Vivek Ramaswamy sounding like Donald Trump. “He was just a planned stand-in for DJT.” Darryl Levine: “Nikki Haley talking about the importance of spending to help Ukraine and her comments on abortion.” Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder, Jr.: “Nikki Haley eviscerating Vivek Ramaswamy when she said, ‘You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.’” John Lopez: Ron DeSantis not wanting to raise his hand on the climate change question. What high school class changed your life? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Inside the TikTok industrial complex that could revolutionize campaigns, by POLITICO’s Nancy Scola — Milton Friedman’s alma mater exposes huge cost of CO2 emissions, by Bloomberg’s Frances Schwartzkopff — Durbin bill aims to curb plastic pollution in all U.S. waterways, by WGN 9’s Chip Brewster — Opinion: It's time for Illinois to turn the tables on Trump, writes Chicago civic leader Howard Tullman in Crain’s
| | Transitions | | — Aaron Lawlor is the VP of People for Kooth North America, a publicly traded digital health company based in the U.K. and expanding in the U.S. He was the VP of HR for Howard Brown Health and is former Lake County Board chair.
| | | EVENTS | | | — Today: Political strategist Andrew Herrera’s birthday was Thursday, and he’s throwing a party to benefit the Chicago Workers Collaborative. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Brian Cross for correctly answering that Bill Veeck Jr. installed the ivy at Wrigley Field. This question fueled debate, but Cubs history expert Brian Bernardoni offers this: “Philip K. Wrigley had the idea for the ivy and Bill Veeck, the assistant groundskeeper and the son of Cubs President Bill Veeck Sr., was charged to install it — or at least part of it. It’s believed Veeck’s team most likely installed a small section of the wall so Wrigley could show investors. Once the investors saw the wall, the Clavey family’s nursery company did the rest.” TODAY’s QUESTION: Who represents Illinois in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Chicago Principals and Administrators Association President Troy LaRaviere, Illinois Democratic Party Operations Director Eric Litz, CTA’s Doug Kucia, Assistant State’s Attorney Jane Wasserman, Chicago Public Schools STEM Projects Coordinator Sam Bernstein, deputy governor to then-Gov. Jim Thompson Jim Fletcher, Silver Lining Foundation founder Sandy Goldberg, fundraiser Brenna Walsh and POLITICO reporter Gary Fineout. Saturday: Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea, Highland Park Councilman Adam Stolberg, Macoupin County Democratic Chair Pam Monetti, Cozen O’Connor member Darren Collier, Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner, SIHF Healthcare’s Steve Tomaszewski, Sangamon County’s Jeff Wilhite and pathologist and former reporter John Biemer. Sunday: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, former DuPage County Board member Greg Hart, lobbyist John R. Daley, Jenner & Block attorney and Playbook trivia master Gail Morse, policy and comms strategic adviser Rich Goldberg, Illinois Health and Hospital Association comms VP Amy Barry, Lieutenant Governor’s Justice, Equity and Opportunity Director Yaacov Delaney and POLITICO Deputy Managing Editor for Policy Darius Dixon. Aug. 28: Former Ald. Roberto Maldonado, American Bar Association President Mary Smith and PR pro and women’s activist Marilyn Katz. Aug. 29: State Sen. Dale Fowler, Circuit Court Judge Nichole Patton, Technology and Manufacturing Association President Steve Rauschenberger, women’s activist Hedy Ratner, Zurich North America Diversity and Equity manager Roberto Sepulveda and IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. Aug. 30: Former Lake County Board member Adam Didech. Aug 31: Chicago Ald. Michael Rodriguez, City Club of Chicago CEO Dan Gibbons, Edward Jones financial adviser Todd Stonewater and POLITICO Cannabis Editor Paul Demko. -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 | | | | |  |
