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After a holiday weekend, a Wednesday doesn't quite feel like a "Hump Day." Take charge of the week with these stories from WTTW News. |
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The Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) |
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It’s crunch time for state lawmakers.
The Illinois General Assembly returned from the long weekend break for its final week of the spring session. Lawmakers have until May 31 to pass a revenue and spending plan with a simple majority of votes. In addition to tackling the state budget and its $3 billion-plus gap, several other issues are being closely watched in the race toward the finish line.
Here’s what is likely on the agenda:
Chicagoland Transit
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Legislators and other stakeholders have been negotiating legislation that would reform transit oversight, with lawmakers consistent that they won’t come up with money without reform. The goal is to better coordinate things like fare policy and capital projects at the regional system and leave the existing agencies to focus on operations.
Pension Funding
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Gov. JB Pritzker has asked for an extra $78 million toward the Tier 2 pension system, which covers state employees who started in 2011 or later. That tier sees a later retirement date and more modest payouts. The concern is that the benefits have to follow what’s known as the federal “safe harbor” law, ensuring pensioners see benefits at least equal to social security.
Bears Bills
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The Chicago Bears are again focusing more heavily on a potential move to Arlington Heights, but legislative leaders have been clear not to expect the massive public funding the team has hoped for. There have been multiple proposals to let so-called megaprojects like the potential new stadium negotiate with local governments over the property taxes they would pay, so legislators would need to reach a compromise deal by the end of an already very busy week.
Education Issues
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A Pritzker-backed proposal to ban cellphones in classrooms passed the Senate last month and went to the House. The bill has been amended to add additional exceptions based on students’ needs.
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The pitch to allow community colleges to offer certain four-year degrees cleared a House committee last week, but the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus has reportedly voiced its opposition to that bill.
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Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps speaks during a news conference about mental health awareness on May 27, 2025. (WTTW News) |
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Cook County officials called attention to youth mental health and the importance of local mental health resources Tuesday in light of Mental Health Awareness Month.
“We are in the middle of a mental health crisis, particularly with our young people,” said Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, who represents portions of the West Side and the west suburbs, during a news conference. “Our children are both imploding and exploding at the same time.”
Mental health support has been underfunded, overlooked and out of reach for far too long, especially in communities of color, according to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“Mental health care should not depend on where you live, how much you earn or whether you know the right person to call,” Preckwinkle said. “It should be woven into the fabric of our public systems: in schools, libraries, community centers and clinics.”
More than one-third of suburban Cook County youth reported having depression, according to a Cook County Department of Public Health report from last year.
Stamps spoke about organizing the event series “S.H.O.P. Talk,” which stands for Sharing Hope and Overcoming Pressure, to create a safe space for young people to address challenges and receive support in the setting of a barbershop or beauty salon. |
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(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) |
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Three people were killed in shootings across Chicago during the extended Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the least deadly holiday weekends in the city in recent years. According to Chicago Police Department figures, 24 people were shot in 21 separate shootings between 6 p.m. Friday and midnight Monday. That marks a steep decline from the same weekend in 2024, when at least 41 people were shot, nine fatally.
More context:
In 2023, more than 50 people were shot over the Memorial Day weekend, including 11 who were killed. The previous year, 47 people were shot, nine fatally. The three homicides this year marks the fewest for any Memorial Day weekend since 2021, while the 24 shooting victims are the fewest in more than a decade. |
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More From WTTW News: |
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In light of recent storms in the state, residents should be on alert for scammers looking to exploit homeowners and business owners in need of repairs from storm-related damage, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul in a Tuesday news release.
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Back in the Day: May 28, 2015 - “Surf” from Nico Segal & the Social Experiment Released
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When Chance the Rapper released his breakup mixtape “Acid Rap,” it catapulted the Chicago native and Jones College Preparatory alum into stardom. For the next couple of years, press and fans alike were predicting his next move. But on this day 10 years ago, his next project wouldn’t be under his own name but as a member of a band: Nico Segal & the Social Experiment. Led by the Chicago trumpeter and songwriter Segal, “Surf” was a wildly collaborative and adventurous 16-track LP that released for free on May 28, 2015. It featured guests like Erykah Badu, J. Cole, Janelle Monae, Noname, BoB, Busta Rhyme, and several more. Thanks to its playfully soulful arrangements, the ebullient guest features, a strong single in "Sunday Candy" and its undeniable cohesion, the mixtape was met with immense critical acclaim, including a Best New Music designation from Pitchfork. |
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Local Live Music Recommendations for May 28-June 3 |
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Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
Wednesday, May 28:
Blue Earth Sound at Dorian’s. Free.
The first show of the new jazz project by James Weir, who played in the influential Chicago indie rock band NE-HI and is a member of the synth-rock project Spun Out.
Justice Hill, Icken Grimms at Schubas. Tickets.
This surprisingly tall local songwriter makes a playful and groove-based blend of what the Chicago Reader calls, “a perfect slice of Midwest soul” on his new album “Cooler By the Lake.”
Thursday, May 29:
Neu Blume, Sleeper’s Bell, Conor Lynch Band at Hideout. Tickets.
Detroit via Arizona folk-rockers have one of 2025’s best albums in “Let It Win.”
Friday, May 30:
Major Murphy, Carriers, Sonny Falls at Color Club. Tickets.
Grand Rapids trio Major Murphy makes breezy and likable indie rock that’s easy to root for.
The Wedding Present, Current Union, The Tubs, Mykele Deville, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
Three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside.
Saturday, May 31:
Eli Winter, Feller, Zander Raymond at Hideout. Tickets.
An inventive Chicago guitarist celebrates the release of his excellent new album
“A Trick of the Light.”
Doom Flower, Michael Columbia at Judson & Moore. Tickets.
This Chicago band features members of Campdoggz and Joan of Arc.
Y La Bamba, Frente Cumbiero, Universal Togetherness Band, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
The second of three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside.
Sunday, June 1:
Gustaf, Interlay, Being Dead, Mass Text, Illuminati Hotties, Georgia Maq, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
The third of three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside. |
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Chicago's beaches opened for swimming last Friday. What's your favorite lakefront beach? |
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. |
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5:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
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Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more. |
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
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