Congratulations to the six IOP alumni and former fellows who won their races this week, from statehouses to the U.S. Senate. 🎉

As a Morgan Park alum, I’m deeply disappointed by Coach Chris James’ dismissal. CJ was my HS and college teammate. He built more than a football program—he built lifelines for South Side kids. Pulling them from competition compounds the harm. Our young men deserve answers.

Last night’s results were a mandate for results and responsibility, not reckless revenge. From Congress to statehouses, electoral victories are not blank checks. They are obligations. Americans expect us to pull this country back from the abyss, not get hypnotized by impeachment, turn oversight into engagement bait, or confuse political theater with governing. Affordability, accountability, safer communities, stronger schools, and functioning institutions. The mandate is to deliver, not just to win.

I hated playing here. Smart move by the legendary Hayden Fry.

Ten years ago today, Kris Bryant fielded a ground ball and fired it to Anthony Rizzo for the final out. We broke a 108 yr curse, made history and brought a World Series championship back to Chicago. We went all the way and I was fortunate enough to get a ring. 🐻⚾️

“This year, Halloween fell on a weekend …”

🎃

Honored to deliver remarks at @HACIAworks Multimodal Panel last night.

The future of transportation isn't just about how we move people. It's about who builds the infrastructure, who owns the businesses, and who shares in the economic opportunity.

Access matters. Ownership matters more.

Fighters fight. Way to win.

Exciting news for Michigan Avenue!

In ‘24, @SenatorSara6 and I worked w/ @TheMagMile, @ChiLoopAlliance, @chicagochamber & @BOMAChicago to pass legislation allowing IL communities to create Biz Improvement Dists. (BIDs).

As the Mag Mile moves toward establishing Chicago’s first BID, the promise of long-term investments in safety, beautification and economic development are already helping build the confidence businesses need to invest.

Proud to have helped lay that groundwork!

Is the Magnificent Mile's long-awaited revival here? chicago.suntimes.com/money/2026/10/…

Yesterday, at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, the Basketball Museum of Illinois hosted a Leadership Academy with 100+ students involved. We were featured on CBS (Channel 2) News last night. Our leader, Jason Ronai is pictured with state legislators & Coach Gaters.

The debate happened right in the middle of my little man’s bedtime, so I had to go back and watch it later.

But let me tell you what I saw.

I know Darren Bailey. I served with Darren Bailey in the Illinois House. So I don’t have to guess where he stands. I’ve seen his record up close.

He voted against raising the minimum wage and expanding protections for workers. He’s opposed reproductive rights and cheered on policies most Illinoisians fundamentally disagree with like supporting tariffs that drive up prices for everyday people.

I’ve also worked with @JBPritzker. During his administration, IL raised the minimum wage, established paid leave for workers and cut prescription drug costs.

I’ve had a front row seat to both of their approaches to governing. And watching tonight’s debate reminded me just how different those approaches are.

This week’s referee payment mess exposed a bigger problem.

So I filed HR 1041, directing the Illinois Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of state dollars supporting Chicago Public League athletics.

We’re going to follow the money, figure out why people aren’t nd determine what needs to change.

Our kids, coaches, officials and families deserve a sports system that works.

ilga.gov/Legislation/Bi…

I’ve asked @NITA_Chicago to take on the challenge of making autonomous vehicles part of our regional transit planning from the beginning & I’m confident that they’re ready to do it.

AVs shouldn’t compete w/CTA, Metra & Pace; they should complete the system: closing first & last mile gaps, eiors & ppl w/disabilities & better serving communities where transportation options are limited.

The tech. is imminent. We should shape how it works for riders before it gets to us.

. @CoachCalArk conveniently left one name off the payroll comparison: John Calipari.

Okay, Coach. Now tell us how many of them make more than you.

CPS referees did the work. They deserve to be paid. And our student-athletes deserve to play.

I'm glad this issue is moving toward resolution, but we need to make sure it doesn't happen again. Our kids, coaches and officials deserve better.

Fix the system. More to come.

Nasty deflection, but typical.

Privatize everything, then blame the vendor when there’s a problem. That’s how accountability disappears.

If I pay somebody to mow my lawn and they don’t do it, and my yard becomes an eyesore and a public nuisance, my neighbors and the City aren’t mad at the lawnmower man. They’re mad at me.

You can outsource the work. You can’t outsource the responsibility.

Great reporting. One point of clarity.

Let’s be clear: CPS referees are NOT on strike.

A strike is workers withholding their labor to pressure an employer over wages, benefits or working conditions.

That’s not what’s happening here.

These officials WORKED THE GAMES. CPS DIDN’T PAY THEM. So they stopped accepting new assignments until they get paid.

If your plumber fixes your sink and you don’t pay him, he’s not “on strike” because he won’t come fix your toilet next week.

If your barber cuts your hair and you don’t pay him, he’s not “on strike” because he won’t give you another cut.

This is a work stoppage caused by non-payment. Pay the refs.

I’ve been made aware that @CPLAthletics officials for fall sports have not been paid for weeks for work already completed, and are declining additional assignments until they are paid. This has already resulted in canceled games, with more potentially at risk this week and into cceptable.

I’ve been in contact with officials/referees and have reached out to CPS Sports Administration, the Board Prez and the CEO to get this rectified ASAP.

These games are not “just extracurriculars.” They are part of the school experience, they keep our young people engaged and connected, and at this point in the season, cancellations can cost student-athletes critical opportunities to be seen by college recruiters and compete for scholarships.

This impacts football, girls flag football, volleyball and other fall sports at multiple levels. Schools are spending money on buses, staffing and other game-day costs only to have games canceled at the last minute. Those costs add up.

There are also serious questions about whether these payment delays may implicate Illinois’ Local Government Prompt Payment Act.

The officials deserve to be paid. Our kids deserve to play. CPS needs to get this fixed.