Topspin While he's formally known as Illinois' chief executive, Gov. Bruce Rauner will soon add a new title: grandpa. Rauner said Thursday that one of his daughters is expecting to give birth in a few weeks, and he and Illinois first lady Diana Rauner plan to travel to the West Coast to meet their first grandchild in mid-April. "I wasn't gonna talk about that, but we're so excited I'm kinda sorta bustin' at the buttons," Rauner said when asked about becoming a grandparent following a ceremony in Springfield to honor Vietnam veterans. A Rauner spokeswoman declined to say which of the governor's children is expecting. Rauner has four daughters and two sons. Rauner was similarly tight-lipped. Asked whether it's a girl or a boy, the governor chuckled. "I'm not supposed to say," he answered. (Bill Lukitsch) What's on tap *Mayor Emanuel will announce new technology for street sweeping season. *Gov. Rauner has no public events. *It's Good Friday. Much of political Chicago is shutting down ahead of the Easter holiday. From the notebook *Aldermen want hearing on Emanuel express train: Progressive Caucus aldermen are calling for city officials to come in for a hearing to justify Rahm Emanuel's dream of an express train to O'Hare International Airport. Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, introduced a measure this week to compel representatives of the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Finance Department, the CTA and the firms bidding to come to City Hall for a hearing "to consider the legal and economic impact of the O'Hare Express project upon the city of Chicago." Two companies are in the running for the huge project, including entrepreneur Elon Musk's Boring Company. The applicants must respond to a request for proposals from the Emanuel administration by May 18. Waguespack wants his hearing by April 18. It's very unlikely Emanuel will let aldermen have any meaningful input into the process before the city selects a bidder for the work. Emanuel sees the express train as a way to make Chicago more attractive to business travelers and tourists by providing them a high-speed way to get to and from O'Hare. His proposal calls for companies to build and operate the line with their own money, though the city would likely be on the hook to build expensive train stations. Critics say not enough passengers will be willing to pay $20 or more for a train ride to justify the service, especially since the CTA Blue Line serves the airport for much less. (John Byrne) *On the "Sunday Spin": On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests will be state Rep. Rob Martwick, D-Chicago, on pensions, elected school board and graduated income tax; Maria Krysan, professor of sociology at the University of Illinois Chicago, on the book she co-authored, "Cycle of Segregation;" and highlights of an interview with Illinois Supreme Court Justices Anne Burke and Rita Garman on women in leadership. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN-AM 720. What we're writing *Biss running mate Wallace said aide who reported harassment was fired for credit card misuse, didn't mention police had cleared her. *After gag order lifted, attorneys blast Chicago top cop Eddie Johnson for calling deadly police shootings justified. *Emanuel, Burke move to force the hand of banks on gun control. *Illinois Department of Public Health issues synthetic pot warning after 22 report bleeding from eyes, ears. *Ex-Chicago cop charged with on-duty sexual abuse. *Chicago fire lieutenant charged with misdemeanor after fistfight at station. What we're reading (Friday Fun Edition) *Goose Island aims to shake off rough year with new beers, gritty ad campaign. *The highs and lows of Happ as Cubs win season opener. *But the chalky pink gum was the fun part. Follow the money *House Republican leader Jim Durkin, who fought off a primary challenge, reported more than $50,000 in printing and mailing help from the Illinois Republican Party, which Rauner largely funds. *Republican Rep. Charles Meier, who just beat back a primary challenger, reported $57,000 in contributions from statehouse interest groups. Meier voted for last summer's major income tax hike but against overriding Gov. Rauner's veto. *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Russia to expel 60 U.S. diplomats in tit for tat. *Trump EPA set to roll back vehicle emission rules, NYT reports. *Trump gives rallylike speech during Ohio appearance on infrastructure. *Trump lawyer raised prospect of pardons for Flynn, Manafort last year. | 
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