La policía de Vancouver confirma 9 muertos en un atropello masivo en un festival de la comunidad filipina
VANCOUVER (AP) — La policía de Vancouver confirma 9 muertos en un atropello masivo en un festival de la comunidad filipina.
Underground Railroad legislation could boost education, tourism opportunities, supporters say
Local keepers of the history of the Underground Railroad in the Chicago area and south suburbs are applauding progress of state legislation to create a statewide commission devoted to the subject.
They say creation of the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission could increase educational opportunities into an important segment of American history largely unknown to many people, and perhaps boost tourism centered on the journeys of “freedom seekers” through Illinois .
For many slaves escaping from Southern states, the Chicago area was a stopover on the way to Detroit and eventually into Canada, local researchers said.
Legislation creating the commission recently passed through the state Senate and could be taken up soon by the House, according to state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, D-Matteson, chief co-sponsor in the House.
She was co-chair of the state’s Underground Railroad Task Force, which helped get the legislation introduced.
Meyers-Martin said there are enormous amounts of information done by researchers throughout the state who could pour that into a central database should the commission be established.
“We would have the opportunity to inform the public about how Illinois was participatory in the Underground Railroad,” she said Friday.
Meyers-Martin said she learned, through her work with the task force, that Sauk Trail, now a busy road in her district, had been part of the freedom seekers’ network.
The commission would have a chair and 10 members appointed by the governor, with the commission’s goals including furthering research into the trail taken by freedom seekers, establishing an online database and biographical information about key persons identified with the Underground Railroad, according to the legislation.
The commission would work with the Illinois State Board of Education to develop an educational program available to all public schools, develop standards and guidelines for historic markers and signage, and explore heritage tourism opportunties.
Penny Shnay / for the Daily Southtown
Larry McClellan, a professor emeritus at Governors State University, has written three books on the Underground Railroad (Penny Shnay/for the Daily Southtown)
Larry McClellan, who has researched the Underground Railroad for many years and is president of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network, said work will start this fall on “a very modest” statewide network devoted to the history of the Underground Railroad. That would get underway in anticipation of the statewide commission being created.
“We’re glad for the progress but we know it will take time,” McClellan said.
He helped establish Governors State University in University Park, where he taught for 30 years and is emeritus professor of sociology and community studies.
In the mid-1970s, he was village president of University Park, then called Park Forest South, and has been on the boards of the Illinois State Historical Society and the Will County Historical Society.
McClellan said the general public is largely unaware of the Underground Railroad and said there is much misinformation out there.
“The thinking is the Underground Railroad was a system set up by almost all white abolitionists, and that is just not the reality,” he said. “Men, women, Black families and white families have all kinds of experiences with freedom seekers.”
Tom Shepherd is secretary of the recently renamed Midwest Underground Railroad Network, previously the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project.
The group has new office space inside South Holland’s First Reformed Church and has expanded its scope, Shepherd said.
He said the Underground Railroad and journeys of freedom seekers “is a piece of history that largely gets ignored in this area” despite Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs being identified as home to safe houses and waystations for freedom seekers.
“A lot of escaped slaves came through this area, and we want to bring that story to people,” Shepherd said.
For the past few years, his organization has worked with the Cook County Forest Preserve District to conduct Underground Railroad history tours in the region, and this year’s first was scheduled to take place Saturday.
“We have identified a number of sites that were safe houses or stopovers,” on the trail, he said.
Shepherd said many participants say they had previously had little to no knowledge about the existence of the Underground Railroad. He said that, through the commission, there could be a way to increase tourism centered around the travels of freedom seekers and identified sites on Chicago’s South Side and in the south suburbs.
“We have this story right here in our back yard,” Shepherd said. “So many people are unaware of this history and unaware of this movement of people through our area.”
His organization will work this summer with interns from the University of Chicago and Purdue University to do more research on potential historical sites in Illinois and Indiana.
If approved by the General Assembly and signed into law, the state commission legislation would put the new commission under the purview of the state Department of Natural Resources.
Meyers-Martin said she is hopeful the DNR will include funding in its budget for the commission, but was unsure how much might be needed initially, as the commission gets established.
McClellan said that “we don’t need a lot of money, but we really need a central office to help nurture things along.”
mnolan@southtownstar.com
Clarence Page: Sen. Dick Durbin’s departure stirs a scramble amid a new generation
As President Donald Trump’s polling takes a tumble 100 days into his second term — and Illinois’ Dick Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, announces his retirement, a very old hit tune sung by Ethel Waters comes to mind: “There’ll Be Some Changes Made.”
I’m gonna change my way of livin’, and that ain’t no bluff
Why, I’m thinkin’ about changin’ the way I gotta strut my stuff
Because nobody wants you when you’re old and gray
There’s gonna be some changes made today.
Oh, really? Democrats have been grappling with their own version of that resolution, especially ever since the disastrous defeat of their party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, in November.
”If you’re honest about yourself and your reputation, you want to leave when you can still walk out the front door and not be carried out the back door,” said Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate’s powerful Judiciary Committee after three decades in the upper body.
The “Biden Effect” is the label Rutgers University political scientist Ross Baker applied to the wave of goodbyes now rolling through the Senate, as some longtime stalwarts show signs of getting too long in the tooth.
Having covered Durbin numerous times during his tenure, I’ll miss him. He had a masterful command of the issues, whether I agreed with him or not, and I often learned a lot from him — which is more than I can say for a lot of other lawmakers in the Machiavellian mud wrestling that too often gets in the way of the government’s ability to help real people with real problems.
However, I also find a lot of agreement with those who say too many senior lawmakers are simply too reluctant or stubborn to step aside and give some of the younger whippersnappers a chance.
That’s where, as the old song reminds us, some changes may need to be made.
If there were a complaint about Durbin that resonated with me it was his reluctance to put pressure on Supreme Court justices for some questionable ethical practices. If nothing else, Durbin was an institutionalist, which is not always bad but also has its limits when changes need to be made.
His exit comes at a time when the tide seems to be turning against Trump.
Even Fox News, known for finding even the tiniest silver lining in any Trump tempest, offered little relief to the president’s MAGA supporters in light of recent polls. As the 100th day of his second term approached, a Fox News survey found voters approved of the job Trump was doing on border security, but were displeased with just about every other issue — including inflation.
Remember the inflation consternation that dogged the Harris and Biden campaigns?
“Voters remain gloomy about the economy, as 71% rate economic conditions negatively and 55% say it is getting worse for their family,” Fox reported .
Voters’ assessments of the economy have improved slightly since December, before Trump took office, but only 28% think the economy is improving under Trump. Additionally, 51% believe his policies are hurting the country, compared to 40% who say they’re helping.
That’s been a big challenge for the Democrats lately and has caused schisms along the lines of the generation gap.
The younger generation, as my own parents and grandparents soon learned, can be a lot less patient with the problems their elders tolerate.
For example, about half of Americans approved of the job Trump was doing a week after he took office, according to The New York Times average of dozens of leading polls. About 40% disapproved.
However, by the 100 days mark, his approval rating had fallen to around 45% and more than half of the country disapproved of his performance.
Editorial: US Sen. Dick Durbin left stage with no huffing or puffing
Trump manages to eke out a net positive rating among voters on border security (55%), but on immigration voters disapprove at a rate of 48%-47%. On the economy generally, his showing is 38% approve to 56% disapprove.
“His worst ratings,” Fox concluded , “are on inflation (33% approve, 59% disapprove), followed by tariffs (33%-58%), foreign policy (40%-54%), taxes (38%-53%), and guns (41%-44%).”
With much more drama coming down the pike in Trump’s global trade war, and as the deleterious effects of DOGE’s monkey-wrenching of the federal government begin to dawn on the public, it’s hard to imagine that voters will look more favorably on Trump or on the Republican majorities in Congress that have let him go unchecked.
Yet what voters need to hear is a clear and persuasive alternative to Trump’s framing of the problems facing the nation. The Democrats seem still to be struggling with strategic direction: Should they revive the “resistance” or (to quote Clintonista James Carville) “play dead.” Young Democratic insurgents have suggested a wave of primarying to get rid of feckless incumbents, and the old guard has bitten back .
In short, both parties show signs of unease with their current leadership. We may need a new generation of leaders to step in, but, first, we need to look for ways to give them some help.
Email Clarence Page at cpage47@gmail.com.
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Letters: Here’s what elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would do to Chicago
The Tribune Editorial Board is right to warn against eliminating federal support for libraries (“Leave libraries alone. They more than pay their way,” April 17). But the stakes are even higher than many realize.
We’re not just losing a library agency — the future of libraries is being dismantled.
For decades, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has shaped what’s possible for libraries and museums nationwide. Through innovation grants and its National Medal for Museum and Library Service — which Chicago Public Library received in 2014 — the IMLS has helped these institutions meet change with imagination and resolve.
We need that leadership now more than ever. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we work, learn and access information.
In Chicago, libraries are reported to be the most common source of internet access after smartphones — especially for residents without broadband at home. That means we’re not just offering books. We’re also offering access to the future.
To prepare our communities for this shift, libraries must invest now: in AI literacy, in public-facing strategies and in staff training to responsibly test emerging tools. That’s the kind of forward-looking work IMLS makes possible.
It’s how we launched one of the first public library-based Maker Labs, where Chicagoans learn fabrication and design skills. And it’s how YOUmedia — a national model for youth development in out-of-school time — was created through the leadership of Commissioner Mary Dempsey, investment from the MacArthur Foundation and support from IMLS. That space helped launch the creative path of thousands of teens, including Chance the Rapper.
Chicago’s civic commitment to libraries runs deep — from Cindy Pritzker’s founding of the Chicago Public Library Foundation to today’s board leadership under Linda Johnson Rice. Mayor Brandon Johnson has affirmed the role of libraries as essential to equity and democracy.
If Congress eliminates IMLS, we don’t just lose funding — we also lose our future.
Call your representatives. Donate to the foundation. Get your library card. Visit. Attend programs with your family. A stronger base of library users strengthens this civic institution.
Together, we have a choice. We can let this moment pass — or we can stand with the IMLS and support our city libraries. If we choose the latter, we won’t just preserve what works — we’ll also accelerate what’s possible in the age of AI.
Because what we do now won’t just shape the future of libraries. It also will shape the future of our city.
And in a democracy, the future is shaped by those who show up.
— Chris Brown, commissioner, Chicago Public Library
Environmental office
I am glad to see the mayor has acknowledged that reorganization and possible layoffs are on the table for the next city budget due out later this year. Might I offer an idea as to who should go?
On what should be its biggest holiday of the year, the Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) was silent on Earth Day on April 22. No department news release, no informational flyers, not even a tweet.
The DOE has a staff of several people, and did any of them think to celebrate Earth Day? This small example, I believe, is proof of much deeper issues with the department.
If you scroll through the department’s sparse social media pages, you’ll find that the DOE only tags along with other larger departments. Basic programs such as recycling and composting — large environmental responsibilities! — are still run by another department.
The environment and climate-friendly policies should of course be at forefront of everything the city does. The city should keep a handful of staff inside the mayor’s office, vetting new policy and keeping abreast of the latest environmental goings-on. All of the other bloat needs to go.
— Sam Lynch, Chicago
Measles is a threat
Measles — declared eliminated in our country in 2000 — is back, and it’s not just creeping in. It’s spreading.
As of April 25, there have already been 882 reported cases of measles across the U.S. this year, resulting in three deaths. More than 95% of those infected were unvaccinated. These are not just statistics; these are lives affected by a disease we know how to prevent.
In suburban Cook County, school immunization data from 2023-24 shows that measles vaccination coverage is just above the critical 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks from spreading. Decreases could open the door for measles to return.
Why is this happening? The answer is heartbreaking: misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
Myths — especially the false claim that the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism — have spread far faster than facts. Despite extensive research showing no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, this dangerous narrative continues to undermine trust and put lives at risk.
Let us be clear: Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It’s one of the most contagious human diseases. If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will get infected. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or even breathes. While many recover, measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling) and, in rare cases, death.
But there is hope — and that hope is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective and has been in use for more than 50 years. This week is National Infant Immunization Week, a good time to reflect on how many lives have been saved. Here’s something remarkable: From 2000 to 2023, measles vaccines saved an estimated 60 million lives worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Your decision to vaccinate doesn’t just protect you — it also protects your community. When enough people are vaccinated, it stops the disease from spreading, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated, such as infants or children undergoing cancer treatment.
Measles is preventable. A resurgence is not inevitable — but it is likely if we don’t act.
Let’s work together to stop misinformation, raise vaccination rates and keep measles out of our communities.
— Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, Cook County Health, and Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim COO, Cook County Department of Public Health
Trauma of suicide
Regarding the death of Chicago Officer Malissa Torres, this is about as tragic as it comes. All the officers who worked in her district are harmed by this. The procession of the body is as painful as anything human beings are asked to do. But cops are like that for the brotherhood.
I wonder who in the world knew that Torres was hurting? That is what needs to be learned.
Genuine support would offer a continuum of behavioral health services for officers who are exposed to the world’s worst trauma as Torres may have been in her years at the Chicago Police Department.
— Michael Sefton, Ph.D., Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough, Massachusetts
Antisemitism no liberty
Regarding the letter “Using Jewish fear” (April 22): Rampant antisemitism on university campuses is not a “civil liberty.” Block Jewish students from traversing a campus and getting to their classes; infiltrating and disrupting Jewish or Israeli classes; hijacking study halls; and shouting for the destruction of Jews and Israel with slogans of “Global Intifada” is not “civil.” And no one should have the freedoms to engage in these heinous activities. Incitement, defamation and threats are not a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.
Intimidation, harassment and vandalism that frighten students also violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal assistance. When universities violate Title Vl, federal assistance can be stopped. Period.
Antisemitism, like racism and any other despicable form of discrimination, must be stopped. Freezing of federal funds is mandated and necessary.
— Patti Perry, Wilmette
Basic humanity of all
Rabbi Yehiel Poupko in his op-ed (“A Jewish appreciation of Pope Francis,” April 23) interprets the strong relations that Pope Francis had with Jews as support for Israel. Likewise, I have seen many interpret the strong relations that Francis had with the Palestinians as support for Palestine.
I think both miss the point by starting from a political position rather than from the basic humanity of all people. Starting from that position, one must decry antisemitism and violence against Israelis. One must also decry Israel’s campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide against Palestinians.
We all have basic rights as human beings that must be respected.
— Mark Dike DeLancey, Chicago
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El principal partido opositor de Corea del Sur elige a Lee Jae-myung como candidato presidencial
Por HYUNG-JIN KIM
SEÚL, Corea del Sur (AP) — El principal partido de oposición liberal de Corea del Sur eligió el domingo a su exlíder Lee Jae-myung como candidato presidencial para las próximas elecciones del tres de junio.
El Partido Democrático informó que Lee obtuvo casi el 90% de los votos emitidos durante las primarias del partido que concluyeron el domingo, derrotando a dos competidores.
Lee, un progresista que busca una mayor paridad económica en Corea del Sur y relaciones más cordiales con Corea del Norte, ha consolidado su posición como favorito para suceder al recientemente destituido presidente conservador Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee había liderado el juicio político a Yoon en el parlamento controlado por la oposición debido a su imposición de la ley marcial antes de que la Corte Constitucional le destituyera formalmente a principios de abril. La destitución de Yoon llevó a convocar una elección anticipada el 3 de junio para encontrar un nuevo presidente, quien recibirá un mandato completo y único de cinco años.
Lee, de 60 años, perdió las elecciones de 2022 ante Yoon por el margen más estrecho registrado en las elecciones presidenciales del país.
Es el claro favorito para ganar las elecciones.
En una encuesta de Gallup Corea publicada el viernes, el 38% de los encuestados eligieron a Lee como su nuevo presidente preferido, mientras que todos los demás aspirantes obtuvieron calificaciones de apoyo de un solo dígito. El principal partido conservador, el Partido del Poder del Pueblo, nominará a su candidato el próximo fin de semana, y sus cuatro aspirantes presidenciales que compiten por ganar la candidatura del partido obtuvieron un 23% combinado de calificaciones de apoyo en la encuesta de Gallup.
Lee, quien fue gobernador de la provincia de Gyeonggi, la más poblada de Corea del Sur, y alcalde de la ciudad de Seongnam, ha establecido desde hace tiempo una imagen como una figura antisistema capaz de eliminar la injusticia, la desigualdad y la corrupción profundamente arraigadas en Corea del Sur. Pero sus críticos lo ven como un populista que basa su apoyo en avivar divisiones y demonizar a los oponentes, y temen que su gobierno probablemente termine intensificando la división interna.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.