By Steve Rhodes
“Ahead of Gov. Pat Quinn’s anticipated rewrite today of a measure regulating the carrying of concealed firearms, challenger Bill Daley released a video endorsement from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg,” the Tribune reports.
“By touting the Bloomberg endorsement, Daley, the son and brother of two Chicago mayors, may be ceding any chance of gaining widespread support among Downstate Democrats who generally support gun-owner rights.”
Or maybe it’s a wash.
That’s Pat!
“Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn intends to take action today on legislation that would allow guns to be carried in public, and he’s widely expected to insert changes to the bill to try to put in place stricter regulations,” the Tribune reports.
Those changes are expected to look something like this: “Concealed carry. LOL.”
Fireworks Jerks
“The Illinois Lottery plans to sponsor Fourth of July fireworks displays in five Illinois cities this year,” AP reports.
Huh, I wonder how many UNO is planning to sponsor.
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Here’s Juan Rangel, upon hearing that the laser show at the opening of Galewood Charter School would not include sharks.
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“The Illinois Lottery has ‘material weaknesses’ in its internal financial controls – weaknesses that led to $200 million in reporting errors, a new state audit has found,” Crain’s reports.
Also, the fireworks shows the Lottery will sponsor this year will not include fireworks.
Today’s Worst Person In Illinois
“Former Metra CEO Alex Clifford stands to reap two salary hikes after leaving the suburban rail agency – amounting to what a key lawmaker called ‘a raise to stay away,'” the Sun-Times reports.
“It’s yet another bizarre twist to a golden parachute attracting increasing heat. The pay increases, totaling more than 6 percent, cover Clifford for more than two years after a June 21 resignation tied to what Metra Board Chairman Brad O’Halloran has described as a ‘generous’ separation agreement.”
In other words, dude won the Illinois lottery.
Band-Aid Man
“Former Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno pleaded guilty today to extorting a company to hire a minority subcontractor with whom Moreno had financial ties,” the Tribune reports.
“Moreno also admitted he pocketed a $5,000 payoff for backing a waste transfer station while sitting on Cicero’s economic development panel.
“He also acknowledged yet additional wrongdoing by taking bribes for using his influence as a county commissioner to cause Stroger Hospital to buy a certain brand of bandages.”
Moreno had originally said he was simply stuck on Band-Aids brand “’cause Band-Aids stuck on me,” but it turned out he was actually stuck on Dermafil ’cause Dermafil was stuck with him.
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That Band-Aid jingle was written by Barry Manilow, btw.
No Joy In Mudville
“Fans who watched Saturday’s Jimmy Buffett from the lawn at Northerly Island are being offered free tickets to future shows after complaints about muddy conditions,” the Sun-Times reports.
Fans who didn’t complain will not have to attend another Buffett show.
Remember: Santo Dead, Hull Alive
In a bid to boost his popularity, Rahm Emanuel will be announcing this later today.
Adventures In Branding
“The nationally known Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is changing its name to the Ability Institute of RIC,” Crain’s reports.
Proving once again that the letterhead industry is recession-proof.
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“Although the Rehab Institute is well-known by its current name, the new brand likely will have a strong appeal to consumers, said Jeffrey Nemetz, founder and managing partner of Chicago-based Health Brand Group, a strategic branding consultancy that focuses on health care.
“‘The promise of ability and empowerment is what all patients who come in there . . . that’s what they’re looking for,’ he said.”
Or maybe people just get stuck on a brand when a brand sticks with them.
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“Even so, the institute will need to spend marketing dollars to educate employees, doctors and prospective patients on what the new brand stands for, he added.”
Proving once again that strategic branding consulting is recession-proof.
Bill Fold
“State Ended Fiscal Year With $6.1 Billion In Unpaid Bills.”
That’s a lot of fireworks and lasers.
Remembering Jason, Jim And Jay
Pain and passion.
Boy’s Drone Death Tests Obama’s Pledge
With predictable results.
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The Beachwood Tip Line: Fireworking.
Posted on July 2, 2013