Illinois Political and Social Events Update

Illinois lawmakers are focused on passing a state budget and retaining the Bears in Illinois. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the Vatican with 46 others, including Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates. They met Pope Leo XIV, offering him giardiniera. Davis Gates faced a setback when CTU members rejected a dues increase intended to provide $8.5 million for school board election spending.

Gov JB Pritzker remains optimistic about reaching an agreement to keep the Bears in Illinois. This confidence persists even after Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas publicized the broader tax implications connected to the proposed Arlington Heights stadium and megaprojects bill.

In other political news, Ken Paxton succeeded in the Texas GOP Senate runoff with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Trump, after conferring with his Cabinet, is nearing a decision about extending the ceasefire in Iran.

“Chicago style in terms of the way the pope delivers his message and justice. What I witnessed was an incredibly humble individual whose roots defined his leadership in this moment. … A pope who can talk about global population shift and have a home Chicago argument over the Cubs and the Sox, that’s who we are in Chicago.” — Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“My dead grandmother would have to come back to life for the Bears to go to Indiana. It is a toxic site.” — Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

“We’re working diligently to get this (process) across the finish line. I don’t want to understate it: This size and complexity takes a longer time.” — Sharla Roberts, Chicago’s chief procurement officer.

“If I had a dollar for the word diligent, I could go buy a nice lunch today.” — Ald. Pat Dowell.

“You have changed America and created the golden age.” — Howard Lutnick to President Donald Trump.

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Editorial Insights: Mayor Johnson tries to convince Chicagoans against ShotSpotter, Bob Kustra suggests initiatives for African American baseball players, Letters highlight community efforts during the AIDS crisis, and Union members urge CTU to curb political activities.