Are tornadoes surging in Illinois? The Rundown

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, and apparently some people are into snake yoga. I think I’ll stick with my no-reptile barre and boxing classes. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Are tornadoes surging in Illinois? Here’s what to know about staying safe during severe weather

Today’s wind has been so intense that my neighbor’s car alarm went off. And earlier this week, powerful storms brought tornadoes and large hail to Illinois and Indiana.

It’s difficult to find year-over-year records, but Illinois last year had more than 140 twisters, putting it neck and neck with Texas for the most of any U.S. state. And numbers across the country have been rising over the past 50 years, Brett Chase reports for the Chicago Sun-Times. Weather patterns over the past half century have pointed to a rising number of tornadoes east of the Mississippi River.

Extreme heat is linked to climate change and strong thunderstorms are believed to be exacerbated by global warming. But the causes of tornadoes are more complex, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. He said Illinois’ warmer and more humid climate has had at least some effect on the increasing frequency in severe storms.

While the most lethal and damaging tornadoes have taken place outside the city, they can hit anywhere. Lake Michigan can even make conditions for a potential storm worse in the summer. In 1990, one tore through the Plainfield area, killing 29, injuring hundreds and causing $165 million in damage.

“Everybody should have a severe weather plan. Don’t be in a car and don’t be in a mobile home,” said Victor Gensini, director at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Convective Storms at Northern Illinois University. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Here’s why so many people assume a tornado would never hit the city. [WBEZ]

2. Cryptocurrency and AI have joined in on the super PAC blitz in 4 congressional primaries

Through yesterday, super PACs whose donors are hard to track had reported spending more than $31.4 million, including more than $6.1 million for attack ads swamping voters ahead of Tuesday’s primaries. The portions from crypto, artificial intelligence and pro-Israel groups total $26.9 million, a WBEZ review of federal campaign disclosures has found.

These funds are swamping Democratic rivals in the Chicago area and, according to one government watchdog, distorting democracy, my colleagues Mawa Iqbal, Chip Mitchell and Mariah Woelfel report for WBEZ. Super PACs cannot donate directly to candidates or coordinate with them but can spend unlimited sums on their behalf.

For example, FairShake, a super PAC linked to cryptocurrency interests, has spent $2.5 million on ads opposing La Shawn Ford in the 7th District race. Ford last year helped pass legislation to regulate digital asset exchanges, a measure opposed by some cryptocurrency groups. Ford told WBEZ he sent FairShake a cease-and-desist letter, which has not been answered.

“There’s nothing wrong with interest groups getting involved in politics,” said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of Reform for Illinois, which tracks campaign money. “But when some groups can drown out everyone else because of their bottomless pockets… it distorts democracy.” [WBEZ]

Here’s a guide to the confusing world of super PACs. [Chicago Sun-Times]

3. Older Chicagoans have a high risk of losing SNAP food assistance as new work rules kick in

Able-bodied adults 55 to 64 years old must work or volunteer 80 hours a month by May. The rules, part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax overhaul last year, also expanded to include veterans and parents whose youngest child is 14 years or older. If SNAP recipients don’t meet the rules or get an exemption, they will begin losing their benefits.

Last year, fewer than half had enough work hours, my colleague Elvia Malagón reports for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Older people who have been out of the workforce might find it harder to compete for jobs, especially because of continuing ageism, advocates say. This group also often spends time looking after older and younger relatives, making it harder to meet the 80 hours each month. In response, community groups across Chicago are expanding volunteer opportunities. But they aren’t seeing the expected demand and are bracing for households to be pushed out of the program.

The potential loss of benefits comes as the number of Illinois residents 60 or older and living in poverty grew by 7% from 2023 to 2024, according to Diane Slezak, the president of AgeOptions, an advocacy group that also creates programs for elders. [Chicago Sun-Times]

4. The Board of Education named 3 finalists to lead CPS

The finalists are Chicago Public Schools interim CEO Macquline King, former New York City schools chancellor Meisha Porter and Sito Narcisse, the former superintendent of Louisiana’s East Baton Rouge Parish schools.

Next week, the finalists will meet with Mayor Brandon Johnson and will be interviewed by a panel of 15, including students, parents, teachers and community members.

The announcement comes after a monthslong search process that encountered several hiccups. Originally, school board members did not plan to make the names of the finalists public because the search firm they hired said that would discourage candidates from applying. But in November, Porter and another candidate’s name became public, and that candidate dropped out of contention. [WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times]

5. The Matisse ‘Jazz’ exhibition at the Art Institute shows a creative hitting his stride in his 70s

Henri Matisse made his colorful cut-outs late in life after debilitating abdominal surgery, and they are the star of this focused new exhibition, on display through June 1.

“Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color” is not an expansive retrospective or major survey. There is no catalog, no high-profile loans nor any big historical points being made.

That said, this compact, thoughtfully installed show has its own appeal, arts contributor Kyle MacMillan writes. It offers the museum’s first-ever display of all 20 color plates from “Jazz” and a focused, digestible look at the artist’s trajectory to that point.

Organized by Emily Ziemba, a research curator in the museum’s department of prints and drawings, the exhibition also gives viewers a welcome chance to see a sizable swath of the Art Institute’s expansive collection of Matisse, including pieces rarely shown. [WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times]

Here’s what else is happening

• The war in the Middle East is threatening the availability of products around the world, from fabric to tropical fruits. [New York Times]
• Egg prices have fallen rapidly since last year. [NPR]
• Here are some menu ideas for your Oscars watch party this weekend. [NPR]
• The city of Chicago pushed back after the Federal Aviation Administration announced a plan to reduce flights at O’Hare International Airport. [Chicago Tribune]

Oh, and one more thing …

Still need St. Patrick’s Day plans? If you’re up for Downtown crowds, the usual river dyeing and parade start at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Tickets for river cruises and kayaking are still available for those wanting to see the green river up close and personal.

On Sunday, the South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon at 103rd Street and Western Avenue. The Northwest Side Irish Parade is also at noon, starting at William J. Onahan School in Norwood Park.

Other celebrations include a street fest in the Loop, an all-ages event at Old St. Pat’s in the West Loop and an Irish Village Market on Michigan Avenue. And of course, there are bar specials and crawls galore for indulging in green beer.

You can see Block Club’s full list in the link. [Block Club Chicago]

Tell me something good …

What’s your favorite book that has been banned, whether it was years ago or currently?

Steph writes:

“The books that most surprised me on the recent lists are the Sarah J Mass books! Over the past year I read all of the ACOTAR series. They were a perfect place to escape for a little while to ‘rest’ from all the absolute craziness going on in the world. I wouldn’t give them to a preteen to read but really, banned??

And of course ‘Water for Elephants’ — such a beautifully written book giving us a look back at early Americana.”

Alison writes:

“‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston is one of my favorite books of all time and has been banned and challenged many times throughout the years.”

And Barry writes:

“I recently read a paper, ‘The Little Magazine and the Big Book,’ at the Chicago Literary Club, about the banning (confiscation and burning) of excerpts of ‘Ulysses’ that were printed in Anderson’s ‘The Little Magazine.’ I put those events in the much broader censorship campaigns of Anthony Comstock, who prosecuted thousands in his four decades as moral censor.”

Thanks for all the responses this week! It was great hearing from everyone.