Happily retired as of May 15, 2023. Next stop: volunteer work and book writing about Chicago politics.
Chicago, IL
Joined July 2008
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I just subscribed to @neli_rowland. She understands that addressing homelessness means focusing on outcomes.
Sign up here: ladyrowland.substack.com/?r=…
The line to tour the Uptown Theatre was 5 blocks long today. It’s safe to say we need to continue to break through the roadblocks to get the theater restored.
This is great news. A city charter could give Chicago clearer rules, stronger checks and balances, and more lasting accountability.
Smiles all around as Chicago's city charter movement takes another major step forward!
Special thanks to Leader Ann Williams, Leader @kambucknerchi , @HamernickJ73553, and Rahul Kalsi for their tireless leadership and advocacy in the months leading up to today's hearing.
The momentum is building and the work continues!
Follow along for more updates on the City Charter for Chicago Initiative:
civicfed.org/civic-federatio…
Thank you to @RepAnnWilliams! I also have to confess that I didn't know about city charters until a few years ago. This is worth hearing about!!!
Ever heard of a City Charter? Neither had I, until a few years ago. It's basically a set of governing principles regarding the role, authority and structure of a city government - and Chicago is one of the only major US cities without one. Should we adopt one? What are the pros and cons? Listen in and learn with me - tune in live on Tuesday, October 13th, as I chair a House Executive committee hearing on the subject.
ilga.gov/House/AudioVideo
The mission of @braverangels is to inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill-building, convening, and collaborative action. Attending this debate is an opportunity to practice it.
When I vote, this is what I consider.
It was great catching up with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center. We spoke about the game we love, what it means to open the Center in Chicago, and why understanding our history is so important for navigating the world today. We had a lot of fun—check out our conversation on @allthesmokeprod: youtube.com/watch?v=sj4jTQON…
Celebrating America's second Independence Day.
My father's suicide left a lasting impact on me—one I would never wish on anyone. But I do not view medical aid in dying as suicide. To me, it is an act of compassion and love that allows a person facing unbearable suffering to die with dignity. We extend that kind of mercy to our beloved pets when their suffering can no longer be relieved. Human beings deserve the same compassion and respect. capitolnewsillinois.com/news…
I've become a regular blood donor and will be doing it again next week. WGN interviewed me to get the word out about the new blood donation criteria released a few years ago.
wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/…
The next 12 months will be interesting, to say the least.
The Chicago Teachers Union members appear to have rejected leadership's request to raise dues to take in an additional $8 million to spend mostly on political races. H/t @austinberg
When a cause is driven by underlying resentment, mistakes are inevitable. The Progressive Slide chicagomag.com/chicago-magaz…
Something to ponder....
I’m a chemist.
I need to say this - because it’s getting dangerous out there.
It’s called chemophobia.
And it’s turning scientifically illiterate panic into a personality trait.
People are now terrified of:
• “artificial chemicals”
• molecules made in a lab
• pesticides at parts-per-billion
• ingredients they can’t pronounce
Meanwhile they drink alcohol, inhale smoke, burn fuel, eat plant toxins and scroll on phones built entirely by chemistry.
The hypocrisy is unbelievable.
Chemistry is not some dark force attacking humanity.
Chemistry is:
• medicine
• fertilizers
• vaccines
• materials
• electronics
• clean water
• food preservation
• modern agriculture
• literally your own body
Without chemistry, modern civilization collapses frighteningly fast.
And yet social media has convinced millions of people that “chemical-free” is a meaningful scientific concept.
It isn’t.
And when fear replaces chemistry, people stop trusting:
• vaccines
• medicines
• food safety
• crop protection
• innovation itself
A scientifically illiterate society becomes easy to manipulate.
So yes - I will keep defending chemistry.
Because chemistry is not the enemy.
Chemistry is the reason most of us are alive long enough to complain about it.
I fully agree with Dr. King.
"My position has not changed." CPS CEO Macquline King rebuffs school board, says they need to take a public vote if they think CTU should get May 1st off.
My recommendation to the Chicago Board of Education for weeks and again during this week’s Agenda Review Committee meeting, has been to maintain May 1 as an instructional day for students. As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students.
My position has not changed.
If the Board chooses to change the approved 2025-26 academic calendar, they should convene a special Board meeting for a formal vote on this matter as soon as possible. Our staff, students and families need a clear understanding of what to expect on May 1.”
Scamming is becoming more sophisticated because of A.I. Listen to this podcast to learn how to avoid them. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
Today’s New York Times reported that a company involved in planning the January 6, 2021 attempt to overthrow the government has since been awarded $22 million in contracts. In at least five instances, no other firms were given the chance to compete for those contracts.
For perspective, there was greater public backlash when President Obama wore a tan suit to a press conference in 2014. I find that contrast… interesting.