Latest news with #MichaelPfleger
Politico
5 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Texas Dems preach defiance in Chicago
Good Monday morning, Illinois. We're back, heat wave be damned. TOP TALKER PULPIT POLITICS: A few Texas Democrats attended Sunday church services in Chicago, where they addressed the Saint Sabina congregation of Rev. Michael Pfleger, a Catholic priest and prominent social activist. 'The devil is alive,' said state Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, referring to Texas Republicans who have made it difficult for the Democrats to get paid and frozen their operation budgets. 'But guess what? It only energizes us.' Applause erupted from the congregation of 300, which included U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, former state Sen. Jacqueline Collins and Ald. Ronnie Mosley. Joining Gervin-Hawkins at the pulpit were Texas state Reps. Ron Reynolds and Charlene Ward Johnson. Ratcheting up the standoff: Gervin-Hawkins was referencing the Texas GOP House speaker issuing an order that the Democrats can only collect their monthly paychecks in person. And she was referring to the Texas attorney general enlisting Illinois state Sen. Jil Tracy in petitioning the court to compel the Democrats to return to Texas. How we got here: The Texas Democrats — anywhere from 30 to 50 of them — have been camping out in Illinois for a week, skipping a special legislative session to avoid a vote on a GOP redistricting plan designed to lock in Republican control of Congress years before the next census. Without the Democrats, the Texas House doesn't have a quorum. It's a national issue: Gov. JB Pritzker was on TV on Sunday calling out Republicans as 'cheats' for making such a move years before the census cycle wraps up, when states usually conduct redistricting. Big quote: 'What [Texas Gov.] Greg Abbott is doing and what [President] Donald Trump is attempting to do is to cheat mid-decade here. They're attempting to change the map,'Pritzker told NBC's Kristen Welker in an interview on 'Meet the Press.' 'They know that they're going to lose in 2026, the Congress, and so they're trying to steal seats. So that is what these Texas Democrats are trying to stand up against.' The Texans are keeping their whereabouts mostly under wraps, but they're making their voices heard wherever they can. On Saturday, a group spoke at the Rainbow Push weekly meeting. And Democratic Leader Gene Wu met with Chicago Ald. Nicole Lee, state Rep. Theresa Mah and Chicago Federation of Labor's Don Villar at MingHin restaurant in Chinatown. RELATED Democrats push back in court against Abbott's bid to remove them, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney Texas files suit in downstate Illinois seeking an order recognizing civil arrest warrants for the rebel Dems, by the Sun-Times' Kade Heather Some of the Texas Dems joined their allies in California, by POLITICO's Jeremy B. White and Lindsey Holden 'Pack a toothbrush. Pack hair spray.' How the Texas Democrats are living on the run, by USA Today's Phillip M. Bailey Illinois lawmakers doubt state's districts could be more gerrymandered, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau THE BUZZ FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit is announcing her candidacy for Illinois comptroller today, making her the third high-profile Democrat to join the race for the seat now held by Susana Mendoza. Kifowit is emphasizing her expertise in the state Legislature. 'The Comptroller's Office touches everyone's life, and with higher costs squeezing families, small businesses and retirees, we need leadership and experience to protect every taxpayer dollar,' Kifowit said in a statement. 'I know what it means to work hard, live within your means, and make tough choices. I'll bring that same discipline to managing Illinois' over $100 billion budget with transparency, integrity and accountability.' The Oswego Democrat is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former financial adviser who's known for having an independent streak. Kifowit didn't vote on the most recent state budget, expressing concerns about it omitting funding for property-tax relief. And she famously stuck her neck out in 2020 calling for then-House Speaker Mike Madigan to step down and then campaigning to run against him as House speaker. What it means for 2026: With Kifowit's entry into the Democratic primary, the comptroller contest will be among the most watched. Also running are fellow state Rep. Margaret Croke and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, and state Sen. Karina Villa is expected to be in the mix, too. If you are Karina Villa, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At School District 21 Community Service Center in Wheeling at 1 p.m. to encourage back-to-school vaccinations WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni No official public event Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — PRESSING PRITZKER. Gov. JB Pritzker was asked on 'Meet the Press' about whether he will run for president in 2028. 'I'm focused on running for reelection as governor ... and everything that I do really is focused on lifting up the people of my state,' he said. Kristen Welker pressed: 'But you don't rule it out, governor? Yes or no?' To which Pritzker responded, 'I can't rule anything out.' Here's more from the Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz's reelection campaign is out with a poll from top Dem pollster Impact Research showing the veteran lawmaker has a significant lead over challenger Nick Uniejewski among regular Democratic voters — 45 percent v. 5 percent — though 50 percent are still undecided. Feigenholtz also has reported a war chest of more than $1 million at the end of the second quarter. Here's the polling memo — Senate race: Rep. Robin Kelly has been endorsed by Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win with Black Women. Kelly is running for U.S. Senate. Video endorsement here — In IL-07, Richard Boykin has announced a $10,000 radio ad buy on WVON-AM 1690. With the eight-week ad, Boykin is the first Democrat to get on air in the competitive congressional seat now held by Rep. Danny Davis, who isn't seeking reelection. — State House race: Adam Braun has been endorsed by Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, according to a release. 'Adam Braun is exactly the kind of bold, principled leader we need in Springfield,' said Gabel, pointing to work Braun did to champion insurance companies to cover hearing devices for children. Braun is running for the 13th District seat now held by state Rep. Hoan Huynh, who's running for Congress. — County race: José 'Che-Che' Wilson, a public health and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, is launching his campaign for Cook County Commissioner in the 12th District. 'I'm running to bring a fresh, independent voice to the county board — one shaped by decades of working alongside people to get the care, rights and resources they deserve,' he said in a statement. IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Bud Billiken Parade is supposed to be about back-to-school pride and celebrating Chicago's Black cultural heritage, but anyone in politics knows it's the unofficial kick-off of the election session. Will you sign? Saturday's parade brought out many of the 2026 candidates, some with clipboards looking for petition signatures. We spotted Gov. JB Pritzker. Missing for his entourage was running mate Christian Mitchell, who's been called into active training with the Air Force. Pritzker instead marched with Juliana Stratton, the current lieutenant governor, who's running for U.S. Senate. Other Senate candidates were there, too. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly schmoozed at the pre-parade breakfast. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi shook hands with parade-watchers. And candidates Adal Regis and Robert Palmer worked the parade route to get face time for their campaigns. There was intrigue. Before U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson embarked on the parade route, he was spotted being photographed with state Sen. Willie Preston, who's running for Congress in the 2nd District. Why it's interesting: Jackson's brother, Jesse Jackson Jr., is gathering signatures to run for the 2nd District, too. Jonathan Jackson told us not to read into the photo. 'No,' he said, he's not endorsing Preston. There was side-stepping. With so many Democratic candidates running for Congress, they had to be strategic to avoid each other, especially in the race for U.S. Rep. Danny Davis' seat. Davis was at the pre-parade breakfast with state Rep. La Shawn Ford, whom Davis is endorsing. Close by were former Commissioner Richard Boykin and city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, both of whom are running for the seat. We talked to Mayor Brandon Johnson as he walked the parade route. He said this year's parade means more to education than ever. 'We have a teachers contract that lowers class sizes, that includes social workers and counselors. So this is an especially important school year because we're getting the type of school district that the people of Chicago have longed for.' Worth noting: Democrats love this parade given its South Side origins, but that didn't stop DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, a Republican running for governor, from attending. He talked to parade participants and passed out 'Make Illinois Safe Again' medallions. Check out my X feed for pics from the parade. More stories from the Tribune and WBEZ. THE STATEWIDES — Judge denies ex-Speaker Madigan's request to remain out of prison during appeal, by Capitol News' Hannah Meisel — What are Madigan's odds of walking free during appeal? 'It almost never happens': 'But Madigan has options,' by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — The Lake Michigan dive that made history, by Max Gene Nohl for Great Lakes Now CHICAGO — Chicago storefront sign restriction efforts are a 'quality of life' issue for some, but others worry about overreach: There's a move to rein in businesses' use of large signage on windows, by the Tribune's Jake Sheridan — Weiss Hospital, a safety-net hospital, closed Friday after it lost the ability to bill Medicare and Medicaid: 'Owner Manoj Prasad, facing criticism over cost-cutting measures and facility conditions, said he is working to revive the hospital,' by Block Club's Charles Thrush. Reader Digest We asked how you'd redesign Congress. Katherine Ashworth Brandt: 'Members of Congress should be encouraged to move to D.C. upon taking office (as was once common), which would facilitate more relationship building.' Mimi Cowan: 'Campign finance reform, given studies show Congress votes according to donor influence not what people want.' Peter Creticos: 'Expand and reapportion the House to 535 seats following the 2030 decennial census of all persons, and allow for further expansions as the U.S. population grows.' Christopher Deutsch: 'No more gerrymandering. We keep pushing congressional districts further and further to the extremes and it's making our country unbearably divisive.' Matthew Jones: 'Congress should be elected through mixed member proportional voting. It ends gerrymandering and the spoiler effect.' Charles Keller: 'Pass a law that, based on state population, you get X amount of representatives. But NO Districts. Then do rank choice voting.' David Melton: 'Give states with greater populations additional seats in the Senate. Perhaps one additional seat for every 5 million over a 10 million base?' Marilynn Miller: 'Outlaw gerrymandering.' Jeff Nathan: 'Term limits.' Joan Pederson: 'Rearrange the desk assignments in each chamber so that no one sits beside more than one member of their own party: might temper the demonizing.' Timothy Thomas: 'Eliminate the filibuster, which has now evolved into a potent weapon for legislative obstruction.' NEXT QUESTION: What class should every political candidate take? THE NATIONAL TAKE — Another megabill? Senate Republicans have their doubts, by POLITICO's Mia McCarthy, Jordain Carney and Cassandra Dumay — Appeals court rules Trump clamp-down on spending data defies Congress' authority, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein — Big Tech's next major political battle already brewing, by POLITICO's Jordan Wolman and Lisa Kashinsky IN MEMORIAM — James Lovell, the Apollo 13 moon mission leader who would make his home in Lake Forest, has died: He is known for coining 'Houston, we've had a problem,' by the Associated Press TRIVIA FRIDAY's ANSWER: U.S. Naval Officer Charles Flint Putnam, born in Freeport in 1854, is the namesake of the destroyer USS Putnam commissioned in 1919. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the ordained rabbi who served on the Chicago City Council? Email to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former state Rep. Rosemary Kurtz, mediator and former Judge Mathias Delort, State Treasurer Senior Adviser Richard Greenfield, Cor Strategies' Rich Carter, broadcaster and U. of I. Senior Director of Constituent Engagement Andrea Darlas, TV host and content creator Catie Keogh, 2Civility Digital and Social Media Manager Marin McCall and Burke Burns & Pinelli President Mary Pat Burns -30-
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Shooting injures 7 at gathering near church, IL cops say. ‘This is personal'
Several people were hospitalized after a gunman opened fire on a late-night gathering across the street from a Catholic school, Illinois police said. Seven males between the ages of 17 and 19 were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds on May 31, Chicago police said. One is in serious condition with gunshot wounds to the chest and leg, while the other six are in fair condition, police said. 'I am angry. I'm disgusted. I'm hurt, and I'm mad,' St. Sabina senior pastor the Rev. Michael Pfleger said in a video. Police were dispersing the crowd of young people when a person driving by shot at the group just 'steps away' from St. Sabina Catholic Church on the city's South Side, police and Pfleger said. The pastor, whose church is two weeks away from hosting a peace rally in the community, is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of those involved in the drive-by shooting. 'This is personal to me,' he said in a video. He added, 'I want the people in that car caught. I want them in jail.' Pfleger's message to the community acknowledged gun violence in the community. In a video, Pfleger said it is parents' responsibility to know where their children are and keep them safe. He also left a message for young people, telling them they are 'too valuable' to put their lives at risk. 'And stop carrying around all these guns,' he said. 'When are we going to wake up from this damn gun culture?' Police said no one is in custody and detectives are investigating.
Chicago Tribune
01-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
‘This is personal': 7 teens wounded in drive-by shooting in Auburn Gresham after St. Sabina graduation party
Chicago police said seven teens were wounded in an overnight shooting at a large gathering in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood after a St. Sabina graduation party, drawing an angry statement from the church's longtime leader, Father Michael Pfleger,Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, officers on patrol in the 1200 block of West 78th Street were trying to disperse a large crowd when a vehicle drove by and someone opened fire. Seven teens were shot before the vehicle fled the scene, police said. Officers located multiple victims shot in an alley in the 1200 block of west 78th Street who were initially uncooperative, according to a police report. Victims later said that they were leaving a graduation party at St. Sabina Church when three to four people with ski masks exited a black SUV and started shooting. A neighbor also told officers that they saw a person step out of a dark colored SUV and shoot at the victims who were on the sidewalk. Officers located a rifle found underneath a car and multiple shell casings were also found on the block, according to a police report. 'I'm angry, I'm mad, and I'm disgusted,' Pfleger said in a video on Facebook. 'This is not something you can solve by more programming, more police, by SNAP Curfew, none of that stuff can stop this. 2 o'clock in the morning what's gonna stop this is parents saying 'Where the hell are your kids?'' Pfleger in his statement urged parents to make sure they always know where their kids are, for young people to make wiser choices about what they post on social media and for people stop carrying around guns and embracing gun culture. 'This is personal. This is an attack on St. Sabina. This is an attack on me personally. This is an attack on everything we stand for,' Pfleger said. Pfleger said that he is planning to offer a $10,000 dollar reward to anyone who catches the suspects of the shooting. He is advising anyone with information on the shooting to call either the police at 312-745-3610 or 773-483-4300 Teens ranging in age from 17 to 19 were taken to area hospitals. No one was in custody for the drive-by shooting, and detectives were investigating. The incident also comes about two weeks before St. Sabina is scheduled to do their peace walks, where St. Sabina parishioners walk through the neighborhood every Friday during the summer to prevent gun violence. The walk includes passing out information about social services and job opportunities, among other resources. The first march is scheduled for June 13 at 7 p.m.
Chicago Tribune
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: The Rev. Michael Pfleger's political stand is ironic and hypocritical
Regarding the op-ed 'Why is St. Sabina flying the US flag upside down? America is in distress' (Feb. 26): Does anyone see the irony — or is it hypocrisy — in the Rev. Michael Pfleger criticizing President Donald Trump and comparing his administration to Nazi Germany? Unlike the good father, at least Trump was elected by those he serves. Pfleger is best at street theater, and this is another example. Fortunately, Trump doesn't care, and if allowed, he will do more to help the St. Sabina community — such as reducing crime and increasing opportunity — than our one-party city and state can or has. That's the biggest irony. One thing that approaches an autocracy in American government is the Democratic Party's stranglehold on Chicago and America's largest cities, which explains their common suffering. — William Choslovsky, Chicago We can't stand aside The Catholic Church is alive! Finally, a Catholic priest has addressed the destruction of democracy. For weeks, Sunday sermons in Catholic churches have tap-danced around the inhumane issues of the day, and have encouraged parishioners to 'Gaudete' — to have hope, to love one another. Each of these approaches is good, but they aren't getting to the heart of the matter when the soul of America is in jeopardy. By enumerating the many merciless changes in our government since January, the Rev. Michael Pleger is not making a political pitch. He is only summarizing the events that are changing the lives of so many people and asking everyone to respond to them. Many churches serve all groups — regardless of religious affiliation — with food, shelter, housing and care for those in need. But Pfleger admonishes us that this is not enough. We cannot stand aside and silently witness the despicable treatment of immigrants, the poor, the homeless and government workers. We need to get our government officials involved. Pfleger's plea is a call for church and state to work together to preserve the spirit of our nation so that our flag can fly honorably in the sun. Together, we can. — Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette Desecrating grounds Last Sunday was the anniversary of the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, 80 years ago by United States Marines. Many of the Marines on Iwo Jima died in combat serving our country. How could the Chicago Archdiocese allow the Rev. Michael Pfleger to desecrate sacred parish grounds built on American soil and off the sweat of immigrants? Did he consider the men of faith from St. Sabina Catholic Church who died serving our country, from World War II to Afghanistan? He can hang his flag upside down at his home. St. Sabina's belongs to all of us who worship Christ and the American flag. — Patrick J. Madden, Tinley Park Spread act of protest Bravo to St. Sabina Catholic Church and the Rev. Michael Pfleger for flying the U.S. flag upside down in front of their church as a symbol of emergency in order to proclaim that America is in distress. I think that is such a beautiful and perfectly apt act of protest by this church — and I wish many more churches and institutions and people would do the same thing. In my mind, I can imagine upside-down flags flying all over America in protest — planting a flag, so to speak, and saying that what is happening in our country is horribly, unconscionably and heartbreakingly wrong, and we do not support it! — Victoria Young, DeKalb Priest failing at duty I don't need another person, especially a priest, creating an anti-government climate. A church is supposed to be a nondivisive setting. Perhaps the Rev. Michael Pfleger should be told by his superiors to either refrain or to step down. Why is he concerning himself with political issues? Isn't a priest's main goal to lead lost souls to the Lord and not cause the flock to go astray? Pfleger might want to read Matthew 22:21 and take more time to pray for the pope's health instead of inciting anxiety and confusion in his followers. — Christopher Gomez, Chicago US flag outside church Why does St. Sabina Catholic Church even have an American flag on its property? — Marty Malone, Chicago Recall power needed In response to the op-ed by state Rep. Kam Buckner regarding a city charter for Chicago and mayoral recall, the urgent need for mayoral recall in Chicago cannot be overstated ('A city charter is the reform Chicago actually needs, not recall powers,' Feb. 23). Without this mechanism, residents are left powerless against serious misconduct. At Recall This Fall, I highlight, with the counsel of former Gov. Pat Quinn, that some Midwestern states allow voters to recall their mayors, while Illinois remains stuck in the past. The Illinois Constitution provides a pathway for home rule municipalities to adopt recall ordinances, yet Chicago has failed to act. This must change immediately for the good of all Chicagoans. Some, like Buckner, dismiss recalls as disruptive. However, recalls are crucial for holding elected officials accountable. When leaders betray public trust, voters must have the power to demand change. The push for a recall is about ensuring transparency and integrity in our government. Let Illinois HB1084 have its day in court by allowing hearings and a vote in the General Assembly. Implementing a recall mechanism would not cost taxpayers extra, as elections can align with existing schedules. Rather than being disruptive, it could unite Chicagoans in a demand for better governance, prioritizing citizens over powerful interests such as the Chicago Teachers Union or Cook County Democrats. A recall law sends a strong message: Mayors must serve the public diligently or face the consequences. Just as shareholders can remove a failing CEO, Chicagoans deserve the right to replace ineffective leadership. Now is the time for action. We must assert our right to recall our mayor and regain control over the future of our city. — Daniel Boland, executive director, Committee for Chicago Mayor Recall 'Progressive' incorrect I think it is wrong to label Mayor Brandon Johnson as a progressive. His policies are not progressive in the sense that I understand the word. Labeling Johnson progressive is far too positive and actually demeans the concept. — Allen Schwartz, Chicago Dangerous conflation The editorial about the puppet at the Chicago Cultural Center opens up a new, and dangerous, conflation ('Antisemitic fears in Chicago coalesce around a controversial puppet,' Feb. 19). The Tribune Editorial Board indicates that 'blood on your hands' is an antisemitic trope. I could find no instance online in which that expression was particular to Jews or Judaism. As an non-Jewish, American taxpayer, I do have the blood of 48,000 Palestinians on my hands because I helped pay for the bombs that killed them all and that maimed many, many more. I would suggest that the many Jews and gentiles who oppose the war in Gaza, as well as the 23 aldermen who didn't sign Ald. Debra Silverstein's letter, might not like being labelled antisemitic.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago pastor protests Trump administration with upside-down American flag
The Brief Chicago pastor Father Michael Pfleger protested the Trump administration by hanging an upside-down American flag outside his church. The move symbolizes a nation in distress, according to Pfleger. He criticized recent policies, including changes to Medicaid, Medicare, education, and gun laws. CHICAGO - A well-known Chicago pastor is publicly criticizing former President Donald Trump and his administration, calling recent policy decisions harmful to the country. What we know On Monday, Father Michael Pfleger of Saint Sabina's Church in Chicago took his long-standing criticism of Trump a step further by hanging the American flag upside down outside the church. The distress signal was meant to highlight what he sees as dangerous shifts in policy under the administration. Pfleger listed several issues behind his protest. "And declaring a takeover, an ethnic cleansing of Gaza, putting Medicaid and Medicare at risk, shutting down the Department of Education, ending DEI, banning Black history, unraveling gun laws and blaming Ukraine for a war when Russia invaded them," Pfleger said. "Giving a billionaire citizen total access to government and to American citizens confidential information. These are only the beginnings of a long list of why America is in distress." What's next Pfleger says he will continue to speak out against policies he believes are harmful, using his pulpit and activism to push for change.
