The Must List for Thursday, May 22, 2014

Cubs to push forward with expanded plan for Wrigley renovations

After months of nowhere negotiations, the Cubs declared an impasse with rooftop club owners Wednesday and essentially declared war — with a new proposal to build seven outfield signs, including a second video scoreboard, 300 new seats and new outfield lights.

Madigan: So few tax votes, it’s time for ‘alternative budget’

House Speaker Michael Madigan delivered crushing news to Gov. Pat Quinn’s hopes of passing an income-tax extension, telling reporters Wednesday that less than half of the House Democratic caucus supports the governor’s budget plan.

Duckworth tapped by Pelosi for House Benghazi Committee

House Democrats decided to participate in the GOP-created Benghazi select investigation committee, with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Wednesday naming Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., to the panel, throwing a spotlight on the fast-rising freshman and highlighting her military credentials.

County hospital workers rip Preckwinkle’s proposed pension fix

Several dozen unionized Stroger Hospital employees descended on a Cook County board meeting Wednesday, expressing their displeasure with President Toni Preckwinkle’s pension-reform plan, which is expected to surface soon in Springfield.

Fardon to business leaders: Anti-gang effort is your fight, too

U.S. Attorney Zach Fardon called on Chicago’s business leaders to join the fight against gang violence Wednesday as he unveiled a program to intervene in troubled youths’ lives.

OTHER TOP HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE NATION

For $23,215, you could buy a Jeep — or health coverage for one family (Vox)

Who cares about Congress? Only half of America, poll shows (Early & Often)

Decades later, millions in ‘orphan’ earmarks remain unspent (USA Today)

Democratic Congressman Delivers Passionate Floor Speech On VA Scandal: “They Told A Damn Lie” (Buzzfeed)

Springfield chaos: Time for Democrats to do their job (Crain’s Chicago Business)

To wake up to Early & Often in your inbox, subscribe to the Must List on our homepage.