Isabel’s afternoon roundup (Updated)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Crain’s…
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.
* ABC Chicago…
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…
*** State House News ***
* Jewish Insider | Schakowsky retirement sets up Illinois Democratic primary battle over Mideast policy: In an interview with Jewish Insider on Monday, Fine touted her pro-Israel platform and described herself as a staunch defender of the Jewish state who has long been outspoken against rising antisemitism fueled by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza.
*** Statewide ***
* 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.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Aurora Beacon-News | Attrition program, cost-cutting measures debated as Kane County Board grapples with impending budget shortfall: The county is on pace to dip below the required 90-day reserves in 2027 if revenue and spending remains level, county officials have said. One solution was an additional revenue stream, most notably a proposed 0.75% sales tax touted by some as a viable solution to the budget gap. But, in April, voters overwhelmingly shot down the measure.
* 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.
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* Alexi ain’t too happy…
* AP…
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.
* Guardian…
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.
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* Press release…
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.
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* 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…
Have you heard about this myth?
…Adding… He’s gonna do a presser…
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.
Where:
Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IPF0OC4IQEaiFwU8IcZhfA#/registration
When:
Monday, May 5, 2025
1:30 p.m.
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