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For a national holiday, it's a busy day. Today Donald Trump returns to office, and we remember the spirit and mission of Martin Luther King Jr.
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Trump International Tower and Hotel on the Chicago River.
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In the run-up to the presidential election, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson repeatedly warned that President Donald Trump would pose an existential threat to Chicago and its residents if voters returned him to the White House.
As Trump takes office Monday, Pritzker and Johnson have both said they are prepared to confront the threat posed by another Trump term head-on. But it is unclear how Trump will make good on his promises of retribution — and what power city and state officials will have to resist or thwart federal authorities.
For his part, Trump has promised to take swift action on a host of issues on his first day in office, saying “your head will spin when you see what’s going to happen.”
From mass deportations to abortion restrictions, here's a look at the issues likely to put Chicago officials at odds with the new president.
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Passengers depart the Caltrain Norcal MLK Celebration Train in San Francisco on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (Benjamin Fanjoy / San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File)
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On the third Monday of January — close to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Jan. 15 birthday — federal, state and local governments, institutions and various industries recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For some, the holiday is just that — time off from work or school. But, King’s family and others carrying on his legacy of equality, justice and non-violent protest want Americans to remember that this holiday is really about helping others.
The idea to establish a national holiday for the civil rights icon arose as the nation was plunged into grief. U.S. Democratic Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, one of the longest-serving members of Congress known for his liberal stance on civil rights, proposed legislation to recognize King four days after his assassination outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.
In 1983, about 20 years after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, legislation for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January cleared Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed it. Reagan’s signing did not lead other Republicans to follow. It would be 17 more years until all 50 states observed it.
It’s the only federal holiday where you take a “day on, not a day off.“ In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law Congressman John Lewis and Sen. Harris Wofford’s legislation making it a National Day of Service.
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Activists to Protest Outside Chicago’s Trump Tower on Inauguration Day
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Local activists plan to protest outside Trump Tower in downtown Chicago when President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office Monday. The group, called the People’s March for Justice, is part of a national coalition fighting against the goals of the incoming administration. They said forming the alliance is just the start to accomplishing that. The coalition is a group of more than 60 local organizations. Some represent immigration advocates, abortion rights groups, LGBTQ+ activists, youth groups and more.
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Back in the Day: January 20, 1985 - Chicago Hits Record Low Temp of -27 F
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It’s bad outside. You’re probably reading this as the temperature hovers in the low single digits. Well, if there’s any constant about Chicago weather it’s that it could be worse. On this day 40 years ago —Jan., 20, 1985— the city experienced its all-time low of -27 F. “On Chicago’s coldest day ever, the City That Works became the City That Stays Put,” Sun-Times’ Tom McNamee wrote that day. “Nobody ventured outdoors without reason.” According to the Sun-Times, the city fielded over 800 complaints, mostly detailing insufficient heat or frozen pipes. As you hunker down today, take solace in the fact but that’s not as bad as it has been or could be.
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This Week’s Civic Events and Meetings
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Every Monday, WTTW News highlights the best ways to get involved with local government.
The DuSable Museum Reverend. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Today, Monday, January 20, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center honors the life and legacy of the “Drum Major For Justice,” the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at their annual King Day Celebration. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
My Block, My Hood, My City’s Martin Luther King Day Volunteer Event
The local nonprofit and community organization hosts a city-wide senior meal delivery event from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. Volunteers will need a vehicle for delivering food boxes. Organizers request those attending arrive at Washington Park Field House (5531 S Martin Luther King Dr) by 11 a.m. for an orientation.
City Council
The Health and Human Relations Committee is set to meet Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to appoint numerous commission members. Also on the agenda is the establishment of a worked groups to “address issues impacting BIPOC transgender and gender-diverse community in Chicago and Cook County.”
Chicago Park District
The Board of Commissioners are scheduled to meet for their regular meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at 4830 S. Western Ave.
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Where's your favorite place in Chicago to get a cup of coffee? Tell us why.
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. |
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
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