**DingdingdingSWOOSHding** What in the WORLD is going on! Oh. Nice.

Visible police presence outside the Illinois Capitol. They just told everyone outside to come in. Apparently someone called in a threat. No one seems particularly concerned inside the building, though.

The Illinois Capitol has been locked down for the last few minutes with a message circulating over the PA to shelter in place. Not sure what’s going on — anyone out in the halls or near the doors that saw what might have caused this?

Alex Degman capitolfax.com/2024/03/12/she…

⚠ NOTICE: The Illinois Secretary of State Police received notice of a threat involving the Illinois Capitol Building. Out of an abundance of caution, the Illinois Secretary of State Police issued a lockdown order and are currently conducting a sweep of the building.

⚠ CAPITOL UPDATE: The Illinois Secretary of State Police has lifted the lockdown at the Illinois State Capitol Building. Thank you to our dedicated Illinois Secretary of State police officers for promptly ensuring safety for all. #ILSOS

lol... Google's method for logging into accounts on my new phone: 2 Factor Authentication with a code sent to my old phone that won't turn on, or waiting 3-5 days for tech support. Texting a code to my phone number on file is not secure enough. Brilliant.

Me: Hi I tried to order online and got a technical error, the order didn't go through but I still got charged. Can I have a refund? Starbucks online support: that didn't happen. Me: ... yes it did. Starbucks : no it didn't. Okay then I guess? lol

I'm starting to get questions... yes, I am still employed at WBEZ, but *many* of my colleagues are being let go in a move that mirrors what I'm seeing at public media institutions across the country as news/listening habits continue shifting. Very difficult day today.

I somehow chose to be involved in the two professions where hundreds of strangers cheer wildly if you lose your job: politics and journalism. I guess it's flattering that so many people are invested in the outcome of all of this 🫠

Deadline days are my favorite days 😍

Can anyone at The Atlantic explain why this story -- headlined "Democracy Dies Behind Paywalls" -- is behind a paywall? theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…

On the phone with my sister this morning as I walked into the capitol, I mentioned the larger than normal crowd. "Why are there so many people," she asked. "IT'S WEDNESDAY," I replied annoyedly, somehow thinking that should mean something to her. Session brain. #twill

Catching up on all the fun from Thursday's Illinois House Revenue Committee where the live theater production tax credit was discussed through testimony, prose AND song! Here's Otter's (AI) summary. I have no notes.

I haven't been able to send/receive most text messages for about 2 months. I found out today someone (idk who) reported my phone number as spam. If you don't want to respond to my texts just ignore me. I'm used to that. Don't punish me by making me miss texts from my family.

After much encouragement, I have decided to announce my candidacy for mayor. To make our city grow, make our city safer and make our city work. Let's do this!!

And with that, the RFT has left the building. Much gratitude to Wash U Libraries for stepping into preserve 46 years of St. Louis history — and print journalism

This was one of my favorite parts of the revenue bill and I'm personally a little disappointed it was removed.

heh. we'll see.

As someone who spent 8+ years at the RFT doing "historical writing" --- that is, journalism, including covering Ferguson and the 2017 protests over police shootings, investigations into political corruption and sex abuse, my reaction to this is... let's say deeply felt.