| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | | Presented by |  | | | Happy Tuesday, Illinois. Thank you to the Reader Digest contributors sharing the joys of your first jobs.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter is taking heat from City Council members. | Charles Rex Arbogast/AP | HAD IT UP TO HERE: Some Chicago City Council members have lost patience with the Chicago Transit Authority’s post-Covid return to business and with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s seeming refusal to make a change at the top of the agency. Taking action: The council members, many of whom are allies of the mayor, have introduced a resolution calling for CTA President Dorval Carter to step down or be fired. They say the agency hasn’t made improvements fast enough to tackle crime, hire new employees or get buses and trains moving on time. Block Club first reported on this. The impact: “The unreliability and reduction of transit service has disrupted Chicagoans’ lives, work, and access to opportunities and has negatively impacted the city economically,” according to the resolution introduced by Alds. Andre Vasquez (40th) and Matt Martin (47th). The full resolution is here. Vehemently denies: The Chicago Transit Authority pushed back at the attack on Carter, saying the proposed resolution “contains both inaccurate information and misleading claims.” Sharp response: “The fact is bus and rail services have been added, ridership is trending upward, crime rates are decreasing, and service is more reliable — all evidence that CTA’s recent efforts are working,” CTA spokesperson Catherine Hosinski said in a statement. “Noticeably absent from the proposed ordinance is recognition of any of these recent and significant accomplishments by the CTA — an organization of more than 10,000 hard-working women and men, who are also constituents of those behind this ordinance,” Hosinski said. Compared to other cities: Aldermen acknowledge Chicago’s transit system is in better shape today than a year ago, but they say it still lags other cities. They even question the math that the CTA is using to come up with the improved numbers. It’s easy, they say, to report a good percentage of buses arriving on time if some of the buses on the route are axed. Vasquez defends the resolution: “No matter where you are in the city of Chicago, constituents and the public demand better service and they are not getting it,” he told the Tribune. It’s a real imbroglio: The mayor’s office didn’t return a request for comment on the issue, which is becoming a thorn in his administration’s side. Even Gov. JB Pritzker called for a change in leadership. Here’s the thing: Carter is a nationally known expert on transit systems. He’s been a key player in working with Washington to get funding. That’s fine and dandy, aldermen say, but what’s really needed are operational improvements. “At the end of the day, we need outcomes to change, we need outcomes to improve,” Martin told the Tribune. “That’s just not happening.” The other bee in their bonnet: Johnson “was quick to fire” Dr. Allison Arwady, “who got us through the pandemic,” while keeping President Carter at least a year “in light of all the issues the CTA has had,” Ald. Bill Conway told the Sun-Times. What’s next: More aldermen could sign on to the resolution before it’s taken up by the City Council next week, putting even more pressure on the mayor to act. — OPINION: Congressman Mike Quigley calls for investing in a high-speed rail future, via the Tribune
| | CONVENTION ZONE | | PITCH IN AND HELP: Chicago Cares is helping the Chicago 2024 Host Committee expand into communities around Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August. It’s an effort to get the whole city excited. This week, Chicago Cares has helped the host committee create volunteer events, everything from gardening projects to food drives, pantry work and, even, repairing bikes. Sign-ups here Sounds familiar: This isn’t the first mobilization that Chicago Cares has helped take on. During the pandemic, the organization stepped up to help the city distribute vaccines to hard-to-reach communities. Notable name: Chicago Cares was cofounded in 1991 by philanthropist Leslie Bluhm, a pal of host committee Chair Michael Sacks. Bluhm sits on the AmeriCorps board of directors, having been nominated by President Joe Biden. — OPINION: Democratic National Convention should springboard support for Chicago's small businesses: “There is untapped talent our city has to offer, and it is critical to push for more permanent resources like the ones being built for the convention,” writes Ald. Gilbert Villegas in the Sun-Times. If you are Dorval Carter, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Amazon: When Sylvia expanded her business beyond her hometown, she turned to Amazon to help with shipping her products. “Fulfillment by Amazon made it possible for me to grow my small business,” she said. Fulfillment by Amazon costs 70% less on average than comparable two-day shipping options. Find out more. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At the Bank of Springfield Center at 10 a.m.. to give remarks at the Fallen Illinois Firefighters Memorial Service.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | At the Cook County Building at 9 a.m. to discuss maternal health issues with commissioners and Department of Public Health officials — Presiding over the Cook County Forest Preserves at 10 a.m. — And celebrating Asian American Heritage Month at 3 p.m. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | | | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | — The Illinois Democratic Party elected their seven “base” members to serve on the Democratic National Committee on Monday. They are Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Congresswomen Robin Kelly and Delia Rameriz, former Senate President John Cullerton, Democratic Committeewoman Kristina Zahorik and former Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes. Here’s how the votes broke down, via Lee Enterprises’ Brenden Moore.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — CORRUPTION CHRONICLES: ‘We’re on the friends and family plan now’: New details emerge in alleged AT&T scheme to bribe House speaker: The former president of AT&T Illinois is charged with conspiracy to unlawfully influence the former Illinois House speaker, by the Tribune’s Jason Meisner and Ray Long. — Illinois legislators try again to create a statewide office to help under-resourced public defenders, by the Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner — How Illinois backs Israel, hinders its opponents: “Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has directed two, $30 million in total, Israeli bond purchases,” by the State Journal-Register’s Patrick Keck. — Millions of Illinoisans remain enrolled in Medicaid post Covid-19 pandemic, by WAND TV’s Mike Miletich
| | SPOTLIGHT | | — TENSION IN CHICAGO: The Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine says it will protest today's annual Jewish United Fund pro-Israel rally at Daley Plaza. The potential confrontation follows Chicago’s American Muslims for Palestine group holding its annual flag-raising ceremony Saturday, via the Tribune’s Rebecca Johnson. — Ald. Debra Silverstein reports “hateful, vile, and absolutely disgusting” fliers left on residents' cars and lawns in her 50th Ward. She says police are investigating, via social media post. — Northwestern threatens disciplinary action after Israeli, American flags vandalized, via the Sun-Times Wire
| | | | A message from Amazon:   | | | | | CHICAGO | | — Johnson offers relief to home and business owners soaked by sky-high water bills tied to underground leaks: “The City Council’s Finance Committee passed the mayor’s two-year plan on a unanimous voice vote. It will offer nearly $2.4 million in financial relief to homeowners and business owners drowning in water bills tied to leaks in underground service lines,” by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman. — Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens, who’s also a state legislator, backs Bears’ lakefront plan, by the Daily Herald’s Christopher Placek — Wadsworth migrant shelter closes as residents move to nearby facilities, by the Block Club’s Maxwell Evans — Treasurer faces additional $10,000 fine; ethics leaders chastise Johnson, by the Tribune’s A.D. Quig
| | DAY IN COURT | | — BUSINESS OF POLITICS: GOP legislative hopefuls sue state over slating ban: “Four would-be state legislative candidates, including one from Northbrook, are suing Illinois officials over a new law forbidding political parties from slating candidates after primary elections,” by the Daily Herald’s Russell Lissau. — Ex-Loretto Hospital exec charged with helping embezzle $500,000 amid Covid crisis, by the Tribune’s Jason Meisner — Chicago Public Schools expert witness says in deposition that sexual assault is not always traumatic, by CBS 2’s Irika Sargent, and Carol Thompson
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is in Washington for National Police Week. On Monday, he participated in a ceremony to honor fallen police officers, including from Chicago. — Carol Moseley Braun's latest mission: Shining a spotlight on Africa, by H. Lee Murphy for Crain’s — Billy Corgan bares his busy life in goofy reality show 'Adventures in Carnyland,' by the Sun-Times’ Richard Roeper
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S ENERGY SUMMIT: The future of energy faces a crossroads in 2024 as policymakers and industry leaders shape new rules, investments and technologies. Join POLITICO’s Energy Summit on June 5 as we convene top voices to examine the shifting global policy environment in a year of major elections in the U.S. and around the world. POLITICO will examine how governments are writing and rewriting new rules for the energy future and America’s own role as a major exporter. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked what your first job was out of high school: Jessica Catlin: “Ran a concession stand for the Kane County Cougars and atoned by stocking shelves at a health food store.” Robert Christie: “Nelson’s Men’s Wear clothing store in Quincy in their Golden Key Shoppe.” Kelly Edwards: “Performing with the Decatur (IL) Park Singers. The sadly now-defunct organization raised money for the Decatur Park District to, in part, provide recreational programming for children with special needs.” Graham Grady: “A camp counselor at Camp Pinewood in Michigan.” John Mark Hansen: “Working for my dad on the family farm.” Bridget Hatch: “A production assistant at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.” Charles Keller: “Sexton at my Missouri Synod Lutheran Church.” Russell Lissau: “At Q Records and Video in Coral Springs, Fla.” Elizabeth Neukirch: “Wrote a weekly column on college life for my hometown newspaper and also worked in advertising for a print telephone book.” Donovan Pepper: “Waited tables at Philander’s restaurant in Oak Park.” Marilynn Miller: “Ran an IBM proof machine at Southeast National Bank at 63rd and Kimbark. It was 1952, and I was paid $35 a week.” Jim Montgomery: “A page in the Illinois House of Representatives.” Jennifer Sanchez: “Sales associate for Armani Exchange.” Gail Purkey: “Teacher aide in a Head Start program.” Raymond Sendejas: “Library assistant earning $3.35 an hour (it was 1990).” Andy Shaw: “In a steel factory in Evanston where my Polish-born boss taught me to swear in his native language.” Michael Synowiecki: “Concrete construction.” Steve Weiss: “Westlawn Cemetery to help pay my fees at UI-Navy Pier.” NEXT QUESTION: What’s the most over-the-top pampering you’ve done for your pet?
| | NONPROFIT NEWS | | — MAKING AN IMPACT: Impact Grants Chicago has selected seven Chicago nonprofits as finalists for $100,000 high-impact grants. Grant funding is pulled together by an all-volunteer women’s collective that sees members give $1,000 each every year. Four nonprofits will receive $100,000 each and the three others will receive a merit grant. The finalists: Care for Real, Connections for Abused Women and Their Children, Franciscan Outreach, Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly, New Moms and St. Leonard’s Ministries. Honorees will be selected by the group's members May 29. Details here
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Trump and Biden’s appeal to Rust Belt turns on tariffs, by POLITICO’s Gavin Bade — The Michael Cohen who testified Monday was not the witness anyone expected, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney, Erica Orden and Ben Feuerherd — White House opposes House bill to force Israeli arm shipments, by POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn
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Learn how Amazon supports independent sellers. | | | | | EVENTS | | — Today: A Teamsters government relations reception is at Saputo’s in Springfield. Details here — Thursday: Kevin Conlon, a consultant for political and nonprofit leaders, leads a discussion on “Public Sector Strategies” with Naperville Community Grants Coordinator Miranda Barfuss, former Kaneland Arts Initiative Artistic Director Diane McFarlin, Nourishing Hope’s Drew Moran and DuPage Pads’ Erica Whelan. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | MONDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Mary Kay Minaghan and Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that Leo Hulseman founded the company that invented Solo cups, a staple at summertime parties. TODAY’s QUESTION: Who was the Kentucky-born, Illinois-raised U.S. Army general credited with helping defeat the confederates at Gettysburg?
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Illinois Health and Hospital Association CEO A.J. Wilhelmi, Chicago Better Business Bureau CEO Steve Bernas, Greater Southwest Development Corporation Executive Director Adrian Soto, philanthropist Susan Crown, movie mogul George Lucas, Legal Aid attorney Nellie Mitchell, Stomping Ground Strategies Senior Account Exec Andrea Magaña, lobbyist Elizabeth Grisanzio and Hebrew School Principal David Schwartz. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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