The Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch's office has been accused of failing to explain why it removed state Rep. Harry Benton from key caucus duties from key roles in the House Democratic Caucus two weeks ago. The House Republicans’ political arm accuses the House Democrats of lacking transparency about the situation. Benton was removed from his committee assignments and removed from the House Democrat Caucus for reasons not yet disclosed. At least two people are killed and homes leveled in Illinois and Indiana after tornadoes and hail hit Kankakee County and northwest Indiana. Meanwhile, Chicago craft breweries Half Acre and Maplewood are joining forces under one corporate umbrella. The "Theater of the Mind" by David Byrne is a long-term gamble for Chicago's Goodman Theatre, exploring the artist's evolution and exploring his personal experiences.