As Illinois legislators focus on state budget negotiations and efforts to retain the Chicago Bears, Mayor Brandon Johnson, accompanied by a group of 46, visited the Vatican. There, they met with Pope Leo XIV and presented him with a gift of giardiniera.
Among the mayor’s guests was Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union. Before the trip, she experienced a setback when CTU members voted against a proposed dues increase that would have provided $8.5 million for upcoming school board elections.
Governor JB Pritzker remains optimistic about a deal to keep the Bears in Illinois. This optimism persists in light of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’s analysis of the tax implications of the megaprojects bill associated with the proposed Arlington Heights stadium.
In other political news, Ken Paxton, President Donald Trump’s choice for the Texas GOP Senate runoff, emerged victorious. Following a Cabinet meeting, the president moved closer to deciding on a potential ceasefire extension in Iran.
The Tribune Editorial Board presented its ‘Quotes of the Week.’ Missed editions are available for viewing, and past quotes can also be accessed.
“It’s a real Chicago style in terms of the way the pope delivers his message and justice. What I witnessed was an incredibly humble individual whose roots really defined his leadership in this moment. … A pope who can talk about global international population shift and could have a good 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. That is all B.S., that they’re going to Indiana. It is a toxic site. 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 on finding a replacement for ShotSpotter
“If I had a dollar for the word diligent, I could go buy a nice lunch today.” — Ald. Pat Dowell on the city’s update on finding a replacement for ShotSpotter
“You have changed America and created the golden age.” — Howard Lutnick to President Donald Trump
Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor, ensuring a maximum of 400 words, via email.
Additional editorial content featured discussions on various topics:
- Mayor Brandon Johnson’s efforts to persuade citizens about the ShotSpotter technology decision.
- Bob Kustra’s commentary on creating opportunities for African American baseball players.
- Letters addressing community dignity during the AIDS crisis in Chicago.
- Union member calling for moderation in CTU’s political activities.