It’s been one year since the death of Emma Shafer and the Springfield Police Department is still investigating the case.
On July 11, 2023,Sangamon County Dispatch said they received a call around from a woman in Bethalto stating that her brother possibly injured a woman who lived in Springfield.
Springfield Police responded to the 1000 block of S. 8th St. to check on Shafer, and police found her deceased with multiple stab wounds at the residence.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney said an arrest warrant was issued for Gabriel P. Calixto, in connection with Shafer’s death after she was found stabbed to death in her home.
The warrant charges Calixto with three counts of first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery with a bond of $3 million.
Springfield Police said they are actively searching for Calixto with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and additional agencies.
According to the Springfield Police Department, they meet with the US Marshals and are still actively searching for Calixto.
Remember that US Marshals thing because it’s gonna come up later in the post.
Shafer has been described as a young woman intent on making a difference. She was the membership chair of the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group, an incoming board member for the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network, a former organizer with Faith Coalition for the Common Good, and an active volunteer with countless other community groups.
“Emma loved to travel, making trips for both pleasure and service to California, New York, Europe, and South Africa. But, she was committed to her hometown of Springfield, and passionate about the concept of Planning to Stay — the idea that every decision made today should be driven by how it will affect future generations,” according to her obituary.
“Emma was a life-long activist. Even as a child, she tended to go sit with the kid eating lunch alone and recruit her friends to join them. She recognized inequities in the way certain classmates were treated and spoke up to ask adults to realize the harm they were causing.”
It adds her long-term plans included hosting of redlining tours to explain the history and impact of racially discriminatory city planning in Springfield. She hosted weekly “soup night” gatherings in her home, bringing together advocates she believed needed to know each other.
* After a large crowd showed up near the governor’s mansion to protest Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference, her handlers moved the event to near the home of Emma Shafer’s parents. Noem abruptly ended the press conference when protesters drew near, as you can see if you click here and skip to near the end of the video.
Emma Shafer’s mom was actually at the anti-Noem protest and was visibly in tears, Isabel told me.
The one thing that I would like to say is we still we’re standing on the street because of Emma Shaffer. She lost her life to an illegal alien that’s still out at large, probably in this state. We can’t confirm that because we, the local law enforcement and the state law enforcement are barred by state law, with the support of Governor Pritzker for sharing any information with our ICE officers or HSI officers, this is the individual who killed Emma. And I would ask you to implore your leaders here at the State to participate with us so we can bring him in before he kills someone else. He stabbed her repeatedly over and over again. She lost her life, and her killer is still loose today. So I would ask that you continue to go to Governor Pritzker and tell him to change his laws so that individuals like that can be brought to justice.
Remember, the US Marshal’s office and other agencies have been working with the Springfield police on this case since the very beginning.
And let’s be clear,Calixto was a very bad guy. But it’s highly doubtful that the Emma Shafer who so many people knew during her life would’ve approved of Noem’s using her for rhetorical gain. The appearance of Shafer’s mom at the protest solidifies that belief.
* Let’s go back to the planned event outside the governor’s mansion, a month after the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion was ransacked by an intruder. It turns out, the City of Springfield denied a permit to the Illinois Environmental Council to hold an event in that same space earlier this year. From a March 20 City of Springfield email to the IEC…
I apologize for the delay as well as being unable to move forward with a permit for this location.
I was under the impression we were able to entertain new requests but with the status of the block we are not issuing permits to events that are not recurring annual special events that are already on the calendar.
I would be able to move forward with permitting for the area around the Lincoln Statue if you are able to secure permitting through the state for that.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
I’ve asked a city spokesperson why a permit (if any) was issued to Noem, and if a permit was issued for the event near the Shafer home. I have not yet heard back. I’ll let you know when I know.
…Adding… The response from the city spokesperson…
There were no permits applied for or issued by the City of Springfield for the location in question. Additionally, no permission was given by the City to hold an event at any private residence. The Springfield Police Department confirmed they were unaware of the planned routes or locations taken by Secretary Noem.
* Related…
* Be Like Emma Dress Resale keeping Emma Shafer’s legacy alive: “She wanted to change the world…” said Lucy Schmadeke, sophomore at Springfield High School. “She would always say Lucy and I are going to change the world together and we’re going to make a difference.” Now, Schmadeke is making that difference in Central Illinois. Schmadeke recalls how kind, intelligent, and determined her friend, and babysitter, Emma Shafer was. “She very quickly became someone that I thought of as a big sister…” added Schmadeke.
This press conference will highlight how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, shoplifting, and more — while shielding illegal aliens responsible from facing consequence.
It’s scheduled to begin at 10 this morning. Watch it live here…
* Governor Pritzker’s office had a snark-filed response to Noem’s visit…
As you may have seen, DHS advised Sec. Noem will visit to Illinois tomorrow. As far as we know, these are the events we are aware of with tentative times. As noted below, the Secretary’s team does not communicate with us so if you have questions about the official schedule reach out to DHS: MediaInquiry@hq.dhs.gov.
FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Daily Public Schedule for Secretary Kristi Noem
Tomorrow, Secretary Kristi Neom will visit Springfield. Despite the Trump Administration being in office for more than 100 days and falsely accusing Illinois of not following federal and state law, Secretary Noem and her team does
not communicate with the State of Illinois and has not asked for support or coordination to enforce immigration laws.
To ensure media can cover this reality television style of governance, the State is advising the following events on her behalf:
Secretary Noem to Arrive in Springfield
Location: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield, IL
Event Time: 7:30 AM CT
What: Secretary Noem has often been spotted on television cosplaying law enforcement officers, so media are invited to capture her latest costume upon arrival.
Secretary Noem to Visit Regional DHS Office
Location: 3101 Constitution Drive, Springfield, IL 62704
Event Time: 8:30 AM CT
What: Despite numerous instances the Trump Administration has ignored the Constitution, Secretary Noem will ironically visit an office located on Constitution Drive. She is not expected to address the parts of the Constitution
that guarantee the right to due process in the United States of America.
Secretary Noem to Host Press Conference
Location: Governor’s Mansion, Springfield, IL
Event Time: 10:00 AM CT
What: This press conference will highlight how the State of Illinois continues to follow the law, despite the Trump Administration’s continued lies to the contrary. While they claim bipartisan public safety laws in Illinois “unleash violence,” Illinois will continue to ensure law enforcement can focus on doing their jobs well while empowering all members of the public, regardless of immigration status, to feel comfortable calling police officers and emergency services if they are in need of help. The State of Illinois has been clear: violent criminals without documentation have no place in our state or our country.
Note: We would urge all pet owners in the region to make sure all of your beloved animals are under watchful protection while the Secretary is in the region.
The governor’s last jab references Noem’s book, which includes a story about killing a Cricket, a 14 month old dog, she “hated.”
* US Rep. Lauren Underwood also got some swings in yesterday when Noem testified before a House panel. From Rep. Lauren Underwood…
This afternoon, Representative Lauren Underwood, Ranking Member of the Committee on Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem about the Trump Administration’s failure to follow the law and ensure that the programs and services that protect the American people are fully equipped to achieve their mission.
Throughout the hearing, Noem repeatedly failed to provide answers on the Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional actions to freeze, terminate, and even claw back federal grants and awards that have already been signed into law. Underwood explained how these actions have undermined the constitution and weakened DHS’s core mission of protecting the homeland and keeping Americans safe.
“[We are] three months into this Administration, [and] America is more vulnerable than it has ever been. Our homeland is not secure. The Trump Administration’s actions have pushed us to an unprecedented and sobering moment. America is a democracy, not a dictatorship.” said Ranking Member Underwood. “In a democracy, we are organized around the rule of law and those laws are based on a core set of constitutional rights. As we endeavor to secure the homeland, we must continue to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
* Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wasn’t too happy yesterday when Secretary Noem announced that people without REAL ID can still board airplanes. He’s holding his own press conference right after hers…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will hold a press availability to criticize U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield on the day that REAL ID enforcement begins.
“For months, Secretary Noem has been calling the May 7 date a ‘deadline,’ implying that Americans must have a ‘REAL ID’ or they cannot board any U.S.-based flights without a valid passport, which has sent people scrambling to get one ahead of tomorrow,” Giannoulias said. “For the past several months, this has resulted in long lines, frustration and – in many cases – pure panic among residents.”
“Instead of flying across the country to perform campaign-style political stunts designed to traumatize people and promote herself, she should do her damn job!”
Where:
Outside Secretary of State Police District 3 Headquarters
421 E. Capitol Ave.
(Across from Governor’s Mansion)
When:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
10:30 a.m.
* Meanwhile… From Pritzker spokesperson Alex Gough…
The Illinois Trust Act – which was bipartisan and signed into law by a Republican – is fully compliant with federal law. Despite the rhetoric of Republicans in Congress, this public safety law ensures law enforcement can focus on doing their jobs well while empowering all members of the public, regardless of immigration status, to feel comfortable calling police officers and emergency services if they are in need of help.
Governor Pritzker will voluntarily appear before Congress on June 12 to discuss his track record on public safety and the implementation of bipartisan state laws.
…Adding… Veronica Castro, deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights…
“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because it’s what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”
Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempted publicity stunt in Illinois:
“Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law.
The Trump Administration is violating the United States Constitution, denying people due process, and disappearing law-abiding neighbors – including children who are U.S. citizens. Yet, they are taking no real action to promote public safety and deport violent criminals within the clear and defined legal process.
Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter. Illinois doesn’t need to abuse power or ignore the Constitution to keep our people safe. Like the millions of Americans asking for sensible, humane immigration reform, I encourage the Secretary to spend less time performing for Fox News and more time protecting the Homeland.
Secretary Noem must have not realized she was visiting during Latino Unity Day where we come together celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Today, Secretary Noem was met by a force stronger than her: the people of Illinois.
Illinoisans are sending a clear message to Trump’s lackeys that we will not let you mess with us without a resistance.”
…Adding… Emma Shafer’s mom was actually at the protest against Noem’s visit…
Noem invoked the murder of Springfield activist Emma Shafer. Shafer was an advocate for progressive causes, which Noem was unaware of. Some of her friends protested down the block #twillhttps://t.co/VrLeMJ3d1gpic.twitter.com/Xgtw7Phh8M
Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield:
“Secretary Noem’s visit to Springfield was nothing more than political theater—something she’s all too familiar with. Of course, I believe that anyone who commits violent crimes should be held accountable. Unfortunately, today’s visit does nothing to further that cause or make us safer. The secretary should focus on doing her job and upholding the rule of law, rather than holding unnecessary press conferences.
“What she has done is create a distraction—a distraction from the Trump Administration’s failed policies that are driving up costs for seniors, starting trade wars, and threatening to strip away health care and food assistance from our rural communities. The American people deserve real leadership, not empty gestures.”
* Press release…
Following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield today, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie released the following statement:
“Illinois must abandon its sanctuary state policies that have emboldened criminals, harmed families, and wasted billions in taxpayer dollars.
“Instead of doing his job to protect Illinois families, Governor Pritzker is focused on pandering to liberal primary voters for an election that’s three years away.
“Governor Pritzker’s relentless defiance of the federal government is not leadership—it’s reckless. And Illinois families are paying the price.”
* Press release…
Following the Secretary of Homeland Security’s visit to Illinois, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), released the following statement condemning the federal administration’s ongoing immigration failures:
“Today’s visit from Secretary Noem is a staged performance meant to distract from the cruelty, chaos and moral failure that have defined this administration’s approach to immigration. Let’s call this what it is: a desperate attempt to shift blame onto the very communities showing the compassion, humanity and responsibility this administration lacks in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
“Illinois is a welcoming state, built on bipartisan state immigration policy, and we say that with pride. We don’t turn our backs on people because of where they were born or what language they speak. While this administration sows fear and division, we in Illinois choose unity, dignity and hope.
“We have watched this administration weaponize immigration to score points and distract from its own inability to lead. We have watched them rip families apart, detain children and treat human beings like political pawns. Now, they want to come to our state and lecture us on how to respond. We reject that entirely.
“Illinois will not apologize for standing with immigrant communities, and we will not be bullied into abandoning the values that define us. This moment demands more than empty visits and rehearsed talking points – it demands action rooted in decency and leaders who see people, not problems.
“Here in Illinois, we choose to move forward. We will to not back down – not now, not ever.”
* Press release…
Statement from Veronica Castro, deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:
“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because it’s what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”
…Adding… Press release…
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield this week, viewing it as yet another attempt by this administration to instill fear within our Latino and immigrant communities. In response, the ILLC released the following statement:
“It is both sinister and cowardly that Noem would choose Latino Unity Day—a celebration of community advocacy—to undermine immigrant voices. This calculated move aims to fuel anxiety and polarization while exploiting our resilience for political gain.
“The federal administration’s troubling actions reflect a pattern of disrespect, particularly evident in allegations of detaining immigrants without due process. In Illinois, we stand firm in our commitment to protect immigrant communities under the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement.
“Despite continuous attacks, our communities remain committed to building an inclusive Illinois. We refuse to yield to oppression or the dehumanizing agenda of the federal administration. Their prioritization of harm over support for working-class families reveals a systemic racism that we must challenge. The hyper-criminalization of our people leads to the militarization of Black and Brown communities, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
“Actions like this underscore why Latino Unity Day remains as vital as ever. Despite this clear attempt to overshadow our voices, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus will continue our unwavering commitment to advancing legislation that protects and empowers our community.”
…Adding… Governor’s office fact check…
Noem: In 2021, Pritzker ordered local officials to stop cooperating and working with our ICE officers.
FACT: The bipartisan Illinois TRUST Act was signed by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in 2017 and was strengthen by Governor Pritzker in 2021. and prevents local law from enforcing federal civil immigration law so our law enforcement can focus on THEIR jobs – keeping our communities safe. No Illinois laws prevent local law enforcement from providing assistance to federal officials when they have a federal
criminal warrant.
Noem: This governor has bragged about Illinois being a firewall against President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, and it is very clear that he is violating the Constitution of the United States.
Noem: Governors like JB Pritzker don’t care if gang bangers and murderers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in his state. If they are here illegally, he’s going to protect them.
FACT: Gov. Pritzker has repeatedly said convicted violent criminals who are undocumented should be deported. In the United States, deportation should follow the legal process and ensure access to due process. Deportation is not making individuals disappear or tearing apart families because of someone’s tattoos. The State of Illinois does not prevent federal authorities from coming to jails with a federal criminal warrant to remove these individuals.
This morning, a broad and racially diverse group of Illinois community and government leaders gathered at the Illinois State Capitol to deliver a response to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who dropped in briefly to hold a press conference in Springfield where she purposely made false claims about sanctuary policies in Illinois and denigrated immigrants. In their response, leaders were clear and unequivocal about their unified support for Illinois’ immigrant community and lambasted Secretary Noem’s politically motivated and gratuitous stunt and Trump policies that threaten our democracy.
Today’s events also take place as nearly 1,000 Latinos and allies from across the state gather in Springfield for the 15th annual Latino Unity Day, the largest Latino advocacy event in the state, where attendees participate in advocacy, learn about issues impacting Latino communities in Illinois. This year’s event will address the challenges facing Illinois in light of unprecedented attacks from the federal government.
Leaders from community organizations throughout the state, labor, and representatives from the Black, Asian, and Latino caucuses showed their support and helped deliver an important message that hate has no home in Illinois and that they would unite to protect immigrants and everyone in Illinois. […]
Selected Quotes from State Government Leaders […]
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
“I represent the 39th Senate district, a district as diverse as this collection of friends and legislators, but also contains some of the most established and vibrant Latino communities in our state. I’m honored to join you, not just in protest, but in power. We gather here to show our unity, our resilience and our love and support of our families and our future. There are those who choose to weaponize fear, to turn government agencies into engines of cruelty and hate. So many people have used that word ‘cruelty.’ This is cruelty for the sake of being cruel. Instead of doing their jobs, they are dividing our country and yet here we are gathered in unity. We stand together, working, dreaming, voting, winning. They struggle with walls; we succeed with bridges… We aren’t going anywhere. Our unity is our strength, our superpower. It is my honor and duty to stand with you here today.”
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel Chris Welch
“In 2017 I was proud to stand and be the lead sponsor of the Illinois TRUST Act. There’s a great statue behind me of Abraham Lincoln, one of Illinois’s greatest sons. President Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘put your feet in the right place and then stand firm. I am honored to stand here today with this diverse coalition of people who stand firm behind the Illinois TRUST Act… The dystopian vision of Illinois that Secretary Noem outlined today bore no resemblance to the communities we represent here today. Just as the policies the Trump administration is pushing bear no resemblance to the America that we know… This is a state where hate has no home here, fear has no home here. They don’t know that in the Donald Trump/Noem administrations. They don’t know that we are proud of this diverse state that we live in. Diversity is our strength and our power comes from being united in our fight to make sure Illinois continues to be a welcoming state.”
*CBS | Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s office slams, mocks Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ahead of visit: Earlier Tuesday, Pritzker confirmed he would testify before Congress next month about Illinois’ sanctuary laws. The hearing by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on June 12 comes after Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky), the panel’s chairman, last month called on Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and New York Mayor Kathy Hochul to come before the committee.
* Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker to testify before Congress on Illinois’ ‘sanctuary’ immigration policies: Last month, Comer sent a letter inviting the governors to appear before the committee May 15 to discuss their states’ “sanctuary policies.” The request came about a month after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of New York, Boston and Denver, testified before the same committee about similar policies in their cities. Johnson touted Chicago’s downward trend in crime in his opening statement. He went on to argue throughout the six-hour session that the city’s long-standing policy blocking local police from assisting in federal immigration enforcement in fact makes communities safer.
* NBC Chicago | Noem visit to Springfield draws sarcastic response from Pritzker’s office: Rep. Mary Miller went a step further on Tuesday, calling on Illinois sheriffs to “defy…state sanctuary laws,” and to cooperate with ICE to deport individuals in the country without legal status. “I call on every local sheriff in Illinois to defy these dangerous directives, cooperate with ICE, and support President Trump’s deportation efforts,” she said in an interview with Fox News. “We must act now before one more innocent American life is lost or harmed.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson is being urged to hold off on naming a permanent leader of the Chicago Transit Authority even as he attempts to gain support to install the city’s chief operating officer, John Roberson, in the post.
A coalition of transit advocates sent Johnson and CTA board chair Lester Barclay a letter on April 18, urging the city to take a step back and conduct a national search to fill the position to lead the $2.1 billion agency. […]
The advocates want a CTA leader with experience running a large transit agency, securing federal funding, managing relationships with advocates and who rides the system he or she presides over, among other qualifications.
The push comes as the mayor’s office and Roberson are seeking to shore up the votes for his nomination, which must be approved by the seven-member CTA board. The mayor controls four appointments to the board, with Gov. JB Pritzker appointing three.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is trying to woo Canadian tourists to come visit Illinois this summer.
The move in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. […]
Pritzker is hoping to re-assure Canadians that Illinois and the U.S. welcomes our neighbors to north despite the current political rift between the two nations.
“I don’t blame anyone from Canada whose appetite for visiting the U.S. might have soured-with our current president and the shameful way he’s represented us on the national stage as of late. But as Governor, and self-designated chief marketing officer of Illinois, I want to reassure you that we’re as eager as ever to have you come here,” Governor JB Pritzker [said in a video promo]. “Here in Illinois, we’re ready and eager to prove that Midwest nice is the closest thing to Canadian hospitality you can get south of Windsor. As you head south through our shared Great Lakes, we are ready to welcome you to the middle of everything.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker will travel to DC, next month to testify before a Republican-led panel on sanctuary cities…
BREAKING: Sanctuary Governors will TESTIFY on June 12 on how their states’ policies are SHIELDING criminal illegal aliens and jeopardizing Americans’ safety.
* Tribune | Stressed athletes and coaches wait as deadline nears to solve NCAA’s ‘changing’ roster limits issue: The $2.8 billion settlement, if approved, would benefit thousands of former and current college athletes. It would provide back pay to former athletes for missed name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities. And it would allow current and future athletes — especially elite ones and those who participate in the money-making sports of football and men’s basketball — to benefit from revenue sharing from their universities. But U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken’s approval of the House settlement has been held up by one issue: roster limits.
*** Chicago ***
* Sun-Times | ‘State of Black Chicago’ report lays out path to building wealth amid stark racial gaps: “The State of Black Chicago 2025: A Laddered Path to Wealth Building” focuses heavily on a key data point from a report by The New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy. The 2024 findings show that the typical Black family in the Chicago metropolitan area reports a median net worth of $0, compared with $210,000 for a white family.
* WTTW | Chicago-Area Organizations Working on Everything From Youth Mentorship to Homelessness Lose Positions Following AmeriCorps Cuts: “The damage is done, the damage is critical and what they’re gonna find out is that the damages are gonna have more of a cost than their perceived savings,” said A Safe Haven Foundation President Mark Mulroe, whose organization was impacted by AmeriCorps cuts. Five AmeriCorps VISTA members at A Safe Haven Foundation, which provides services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Chicago area, were told Monday that there was no longer funding for their positions after the nonprofit was informed of grant terminations, according to Mulroe.
* Sun-Times | New book illuminates Wrigley Building. Iconic structure? Yes. Superb? Not so much.: What we get far less of are the critics who lined up over the years to give the Wrigley Building the backhand. Lewis Mumford referred to its “safe mediocrity.” The Wrigley Building is “just what the name implies,” sniffed Frank Lloyd Wright — admittedly not famous for kindness toward other architects — noting it “illustrates the principle that an ugly building by day, if illuminated, will be ugly by night as well.” […] Sharoff brushes away such criticism (and Samuelson dismisses the enduring skybridge mystery in a few chicken-crossing-the-road sentences: It was built in 1931 to get to the other side).
* Chicago Mag | The Sketchy Future of Court Artists: Currently, there are two main sketch artists who freelance for the television news stations and newspapers in town: Lou Chukman and Cheryl “Cookie” Cook. That’s down from the days when every station and newspaper in town had their own courtroom sketch artist on staff. Now a new face, Cliff Questel, has gotten on board what may be a sinking ship. , 62, is a graphic artist by day, but recently has been seen at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse — referred to by its location, “26th and Cal,” by most in the news business — as well as other courthouses in the Chicago area.
* Tribune | Nancy Faust on her Chicago White Sox return after a 15-year absence: ‘I never expected a resurgence like this’: Faust spent 41 seasons — more than 3,000 games — on the South Side, missing only a handful of games due to the birth of her son. She is widely recognized for incorporating popular music into ballpark repertoire and for choosing songs that relate to each player based on their name, number or even their home state. Ever chant “Na-Na Hey-Hey Goodbye” when the opposing team pulls their pitcher? That’s because Faust played it first. […] The White Sox announced Monday that Faust, 78, will return to The Rate — which was known as U.S. Cellular Field the last time she played there almost 15 years ago — with her organ for six home games on select Sundays. Her appearances start on Sunday with Mother’s Day and end on Aug. 10, which happens to be her and husband Joe’s 45th wedding anniversary.
* Block Club | Andersonville’s Midsommarfest Returns In June With Headliners The O’My’s, Sixteen Candles: The free, family-friendly festival is 5-10 p.m. June 13, noon-10 p.m. June 14 and noon-9 p.m. June 15 on Clark Street between Foster Avenue and Gregory Street. It’s expected to host as many as 80,000 people throughout the weekend. This year will be the 59th edition of Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s oldest and most beloved street festivals, according to the event organizer, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.
* Patch | Newly Sworn-In City Council Member Announces Bid For DuPage Board: In an announcement celebrating being sworn in for his second term on the Naperville City Council, council member Ian Holzhauer announced plans to run for a seat on the DuPage County Board. […] “ The number one duty of candidates and elected officials is to be candid with voters. Many have asked about my future intentions. Rather than be cagey, I will be straightforward: I will be running for DuPage County Board in District 5 in the midterm election.”
* Daily Southtown | Jim Dodge sworn in as Orland Park mayor, says it’s ‘a new day’ for the village: Sworn in Monday as Orland Park’s mayor, Jim Dodge said it’s “a new day” in the village and pledged he and other new elected officials are “going to do everything to make sure we listen” to residents. Dodge won election in April 1, defeating Keith Pekau, who was seeking a third term. Sworn in with Dodge were Village Clerk Mary Ryan Norwell and trustees John Lawler, Dina M. Lawrence and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad.
* Daily Herald | The ‘perfect fit’: Former Buffalo Grove deputy hired as Lisle’s police chief: It didn’t take long for new Lisle Mayor Mary Jo Mullen to name a new police chief — one of her first official moves since being sworn into office. Village trustees have confirmed Mullen’s appointment of Michael Rodriguez to the long-vacant post. His hiring comes months after Kevin Licko stepped down as Lisle’s police chief. “We interviewed Mike back in December. I would say all of us really felt that he was the empathetic, mentoring, coaching style of leader that our force really needs right now,” Mullen said Tuesday.
*** Downstate ***
* WGLT | Normal extends deadline for short-term rentals, gets pushback on Illinois Art Station hirings: The moratorium, applying to properties such as Airbnb or VRBO offerings, was to give Normal time to consider and evaluate regulatory alternatives. The council approved a change for it to last until July 1, rather than June 1. That gives extra time for Normal to better assess the situation should any land-use bills become law by the end of the Illinois spring legislative session on May 31.
* WGLT | NPR stations like WGLT wade through uncertainty following executive order: WGLT Assistant Executive Director and Development Director Melissa Libert says it’s unrealistic for added community support to entirely make up for a loss of federal funding. That would be about $175,000 annually if all federal funding was removed. “It would be significant,” Libert said. “What we are worried about is that the attacks just keep coming.”
* KHQA | New funding allows Girl Scouts to expand mental health outreach in rural western Illinois: The funding will support programming aimed at 350 girls across Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties. The initiative brings mental health education directly to youth in underserved communities by offering age-appropriate programming focused on self-care, confidence, communication and resiliency.
* WCIA | Douglass Branch Library shows off new makerspace: Manager Thea Green said they received a $50,000 grant from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to give the community a new space to be in. “Just to bring the community together, to let their creative mind go and make something and take something home that they would enjoy to have in,” Green said.
* WCIA | Shozo Sato, founder of U of I’s Japan House, dies at 91: The organization announced on Tuesday that Shozo Sato passed away at the age of 91. Sato founded Japan House in 1975, about a decade after first coming to Central Illinois from Japan. He arrived in 1964 as a visiting artist-in-residence for the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “He recognized the need for cultural arts education to build cultural bridges and committed the rest of his life to teaching in the United States,” Japan House wrote. “His tenacity and vision for teaching Japanese arts and culture started the original Japan House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.”
*** National ***
* NBC | Supreme Court allows Trump to implement transgender military ban: The justices granted an emergency request from the Trump administration to lift a nationwide injunction blocking the policy while litigation continues. The court’s brief order noted that the three liberal justices dissented. The decision is a loss for the seven individual transgender service members, led by lead plaintiff Emily Shilling, a Navy commander, who had sued to block it.
WE’VE BEEN SCREAMING THIS FOR MONTHS. Thanks @Sec_Noem for continuing to call this a “deadline” & then dropping this news the day before!! #FederalGovernment
“Travelers with no REAL ID can still fly” Kristi Noem says | AP News https://t.co/OfyEVpT0rk
Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.
Kristi Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.
Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.
“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
Across the country, Department of Motor Vehicle offices extended their hours to help meet the demand. But despite that, some people waited for hours Tuesday to get a REAL ID ahead of the long-delayed deadline.
While initially recommended by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005, implementation has been repeatedly delayed. It was pushed back in 2022 to address the lingering impacts of the Covid-19, but the TSA confirmed last month that it would finally come into effect on 7 May, “making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists”.
A group of state senators from Kentucky asked the agency to delay implementing the new requirements yet again, arguing that the state has limited appointments available to people seeking the new cards in time to meet the deadline.
DHS had initially said that passengers would not be able to fly domestically without the new ID or another form of TSA-approved identification after Wednesday’s deadline passes.
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards,” said John Essig, the TSA’s security director for airports in the New York City region, in a press release on 3 April.
“The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
…Adding… Secretary Noem will be in Springfield tomorrow…
Homeland Security LIVE
Secretary Noem to Host Press Conference in Springfield, IL
Event Date: May 7, 2025
Event Time: 10:00 AM CT / 11:00 AM ET
This press conference will highlight how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, shoplifting, and more — while shielding illegal aliens responsible from facing consequence.
Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, released the following statement announcing her decision not to seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026:
“For the last 26 years, I have had the distinct honor and privilege of representing the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, my lifelong home and the best district in the nation. Today, it is with profound gratitude and the utmost appreciation for my constituents that I announce my decision not to seek reelection at the end of my current term.
“I am incredibly proud of the things I have been able to accomplish during my time in Congress. I was honored to help draft and pass the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that Americans could no longer be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions and providing quality health coverage for millions. I was able to pass consumer protection bills that have saved lives and protected Americans, especially our children, from dangerous products and improved auto safety. I worked hard to protect the well-being of seniors and their families, blocking Republican attempts to privatize Social Security and to improve Medicare and Medicaid by lowering prescription drug prices and expanding access to quality long-term care. I would not have been able to do any of this without the counsel of committed consumer advocates and the continued trust and support of our community.
“While these legislative wins are important, the most rewarding part of my job has always been engaging directly with constituents in the 9th District. Whether it be a school visit, attending a rally, touring a new small business, or speaking with fellow shoppers at my local Jewel, I have always prioritized and enjoyed meeting with constituents and providing constituent services. I am so proud that I have always had one of the best and most successful constituent service operations in the country. Whether solving problems with health insurers or Medicare, expediting a passport or immigration application, assisting small businesses, not-for-profits, and community colleges with funding requests, helping veterans get their benefits, cutting through red tape to solve Social Security and IRS problems, stopping deportations, and so much more, my team and I have worked diligently each day to advocate and deliver for our constituents.
“For my entire career, I have made it my mission to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders. In fact, when I talk with students, I do not ask them what they want to be when they grow up, I ask them what they want to do today to make a difference in this world. It is now time for me to pass the baton. We are so fortunate in the 9th District that there are dozens of talented leaders, advocates, and organizers who know our community and who are ready to lead the charge as we fight back against the extreme MAGA agenda and President Donald Trump’s shameful policies.
“To the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, thank you for allowing me to be your voice in Congress. I have tried to serve you each and every day with the integrity, decency, and fire you deserve. It truly is the honor of a lifetime!
“To my staff, past and present, I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifices, expertise, and smiles. Together, through all those late nights and early mornings, we were able to make a difference. The 9th District of Illinois and our nation are healthier, stronger, and more prosperous because of our hard work.
“And to my family, thank you for going on this wild journey with me. I am looking forward to spending more family time together as I enter this new chapter of life. I love you.
“While I will miss serving the people of the 9th District in an elected capacity, I am not going anywhere. For the remainder of my term, and beyond, I vow to continue taking every opportunity possible to fight for my community and my country. I will do everything in my power to secure equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, universal health care, reproductive rights, environmental protections and climate security, and so much more. We must all keep the faith, continue to resist, and make our voices heard, because when we fight, we win!”
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
I commend Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on her decades of service to Illinois families. She fought hard for us in Washington and championed a future that works better for all. I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and I wish nothing but joy for her and Robert as they welcome this new chapter. Jan delivered real change for Illinois - it’s time for us to carry her legacy forward.
* Rep. Dan Didech…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a trailblazer, a fierce advocate, and a beloved leader who worked tirelessly for her constituents. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in public service, and I join so many others in expressing gratitude for her decades of principled leadership and progressive vision.
I will not be a candidate in the race to elect a new Member of Congress, but I am committed to helping ensure that the Ninth Congressional District is represented by someone who understands, values, and is responsive to the needs of our community.
Later this year, I will launch my re-election campaign to continue representing the 59th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am excited to continue providing our community with a strong, effective, and ethical voice in Springfield.
…Adding… Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss…
Jan Schakowsky is a trailblazer. In her record of fighting to expand health care access, protect Social Security, support workers, and advocate for women, she has left an indelible mark on our community, and, indeed, our whole country.
I am grateful for Jan’s friendship and mentorship, which have been a north star throughout my time in government.
Biss is considered a likely candidate.
…Adding… Sen. Laura Fine is also considered to be a likely candidate…
For more than two decades, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been one of the most fearless and effective progressive voices in Washington.
She has never backed down from a tough fight and is always on the frontlines for Illinois families, from championing consumer protections to advancing women’s rights to expanding access to affordable health care. Her leadership has helped shape a more just and equitable country, and her legacy will be felt for generations.
Jan is an inspiration to me and to so many across Illinois. We are fortunate to have her fighting for us now, especially as our fundamental rights are under attack. While her presence in Congress will be deeply missed, we know her work is far from over and we will carry her vision forward as we continue the fight for dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all.
…Adding… Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz also takes her name out of contention…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career defined by courage and an unwavering commitment to progressive change. Her leadership has shaped a stronger, fairer future for generations, and I am proud to celebrate her legacy and lifelong dedication to public service.
With her announcement, there is understandable excitement about the future of the 9th Congressional District. I want to be clear - my full attention remains on the work we are doing together in the 17th District, and on building upon the progress we’ve made in Illinois.
In the coming months, I look forward to launching my campaign for re-election to the Illinois House. I am honored to serve you and am eager to continue delivering strong, principled leadership for our community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
…Adding… Chuy García…
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s announcement that she will not seek re-election:
“Jan Schakowsky is a legend in Illinois politics and the progressive movement nationwide. She has devoted herself to standing up for women, workers, seniors, immigrants, and people pushed to the margins—always with clarity, conviction, heart, and strategic smarts. Her retirement is a big loss for Congress, but her impact will be felt for a long time.
I’ve known Jan for many years, long before we served together in Congress, we served in the Illinois General Assembly. She’s always had my back, and I’ve always looked up to her, not just for what she’s fought for, but for how she’s done it: with integrity, courage, and deep love for community. Jan and Bob are part of a long tradition of organizing in Chicago that shaped my political journey. Their commitment has moved the needle on many issues and lifted a generation of activists and leaders.
I’m proud to call Jan a friend and mentor, and I wish her and Bob all the best in this next chapter. If I know Jan, she’ll continue to lead by example.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless trailblazer and a tireless fighter for Illinois. Because of Jan’s leadership in Washington, working families from Illinois have had one of the strongest, reliable voices fighting for them. Jan has championed historic legislation on health care, women’s rights, gun safety, and more to support working families. MK and I are deeply grateful for her decades of service, and we wish Jan and Bob a joyful and well-deserved retirement.
* Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez…
Few have fought harder, or more fearlessly, for Illinois families than Representative Jan Schakowsky. From expanding access to health care and championing consumer protections to standing up for seniors, workers, and women, Congresswoman Schakowsky has been a relentless advocate for justice and progress. Her leadership helped shape the Democratic Party of Illinois, and her legacy will continue to guide us. The Democratic Party of Illinois is focused on protecting the progress she helped build, and will organize, mobilize, and fight to keep her seat blue
…Adding… Rep. Hoan Huynh is also seen as a likely contender…
Today, we celebrate and honor Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky whose work has not only transformed communities across Illinois, but has also inspired generations to believe in the power of public service rooted in purpose and heart. Congresswoman Schakowsky’s extraordinary legacy of public service is defined by moral courage, principled leadership, and an unshakable commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity.
Throughout her remarkable career, Congresswoman Schakowsky has been a fierce advocate for working families, a champion for universal healthcare, a defender of rights for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, seniors, immigrants, and refugees, and an unwavering voice for those too often left out of the political conversation.
As a fellow child of immigrants, I carry Congresswoman Schakowsky’s example closely in my own journey-one that would not have been possible without the trails she blazed and the doors she opened. Her belief in people-powered politics has not only uplifted our communities, it has shaped the conscience of our state and our country.
* Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias just called. Apparently, people are standing in line for hours because for some reason they believe that they won’t be able to obtain a REAL ID after Wednesday. So, he asked me to pass this along. Happy to oblige…
— Secretary Alexi Giannoulias (@ILSecOfState) May 5, 2025
Please retweet and share far & wide: WE WILL NOT STOP ISSUING REAL ID’S ON WEDNESDAY. THERE IS NO NEED TO RUSH TO A FACILITY IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO. We will be issuing REAL ID’s for the foreseeable future!!! Please, please check whether you need one: https://t.co/vPkI2JKC4C
Giannoulias to Hold Briefing to Clear Up REAL ID Confusion
Unless Traveling by Flight in May, Most Illinoisans Do Not Need a REAL ID by May 7
Who:
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
What:
Secretary Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs as many scramble to get one.
Giannoulias will stress the May 7 “deadline” isn’t really a deadline. On May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic flight; however, DMVs will continue to issue REAL IDs after May 7.
Giannoulias noted if you’re not traveling after May 7, you probably don’t need a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to avoid waits at facilities.
The primary reason for Illinoisans over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft after May 7. Individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, Military ID, Green Card, or Global Entry and those under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly.
He also announced the office is extending its REAL ID Saturdays program and REAL ID Supercenter until the end of May to provide more options to get one. Before visiting a DMV to get a REAL ID, Giannoulias urged residents to confirm that they actually need one.
