Police beat
The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Battery
April 27
Officers responded to the 600 block of W. North at 12:11 a.m. for the report of a fight in progress. Upon officers’ arrival, Adrian Gonzalez Lopez, 28, and Cristian Medina, 21, both of Addison, were located and taken into custody. Medina was charged with two counts of battery, resisting a peace officer and released.
Gonzalez Lopez was charged with aggravated assault and resisting a police officer.
Police said that subsequent to a report of a fight in the 900 block of S. Riverside at 3:08 a.m., two suspects were observed fighting with the victims and were placed under arrest.
Anita L. Henry was charged with aggravated battery to a disabled person, aggravated battery to a police officer and two counts of battery. Jacques L. Thomas, 28, of Houston, was charged with aggravated battery to a disabled person and two counts of battery.
Criminal trespassing, criminal damage
April 25
A victim in the 100 block of E. Grand told police a tire on his vehicle was cut.
Fleeing, eluding
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding during which a driver fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.
Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic issue
April 30
Police said that subsequent to a report of a road rage incident near Emory and Lake at 5:58 p.m., an officer located both vehicles parked in a parking lot. According to police, a victim stated the suspects had chased him and threw multiple objects at his vehicle, causing damage. Police said both suspects denied throwing anything at the victim’s vehicle. Miguel A. Villa, 28, of Northlake, was issued citations for driving without a valid license and disorderly conduct. Stephanie N. Contreras, 38, of Northlake, was cited for disorderly conduct.
April 26
A complainant in the 600 block of S. York reported his two daughters were having a verbal argument when the suspect became physical with the victim before leaving the scene on April 6. Officers attempted to contact the suspect with no results. On the above date, the suspect turned herself in on a warrant. The suspect, a 35-year-old Plainfield woman, was processed on the warrant for domestic battery and was transported to the DuPage County Jail.
Police said a victim in the 100 block of N. York reported a customer became irate and pushed a printer off a table, causing it to fall to the ground and become damaged. The reporting officer contacted the suspect by phone,
and the suspect admitted to pushing the printer off the desk. The suspect was advised that she will be issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
April 28
Robert A. Kaye, 26, of Oak Brook, was charged with DUI of intoxicating compounds, DUI drugs, DUI combination of drugs and alcohol, possession of cannabis, driving too fast for conditions and no insurance near North and Route 83 at 6:11 p.m.
April 27
Valentin Vasquez Monter, 25, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, damage to a highway structure, improper lane usage, damage to city parkway and no insurance near Grand and Lake at 7:31 p.m.
April 26
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop in the 100 block of Robert T. Palmer at 12:47 a.m., the driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Kevin J. Grossman, 31, of Palatine, was charged with DUI and improper lighting.
April 24
Officers responded to a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 for a subject refusing to leave. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Roy M. Miller Jr., 40, of Aurora, who police said was found to be intoxicated, in possession of liquor in public, and to have an order of protection that had not yet been served. Miller Jr. was charged with possession of liquor in public. He was served the order of protection on a short form notification, and was transported to the hospital for treatment. On April 25 at Elmhurst Hospital, police said officers responded to the hospital for Miller Jr. refusing to leave and assaulting security. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, resisting a police officer and disorderly conduct.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
April 24
Alexander Galinato, 36, and Michael Galinato, 66, both of Villa Park, were both charged with possession of cannabis after a traffic stop near St. Charles and Berkley at 1:52 p.m. Alexander Galinato was charged with possession of cannabis by a driver and driving with expired registration. Michael Galinato was charged
with possession of cannabis by a passenger. Both subjects were released at the scene.
Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
April 30
Police said that subsequent to a found property report in the 400 block of Highview, it was discovered that the victim’s wallet had been stolen. The victim was contacted and reported receiving multiple alerts on his phone regarding unauthorized transactions on his Capital One credit card, which remains missing. An investigation is ongoing.
April 29
Police said that subsequent to a report of retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83, officers located Daniel L. Muehlhausen, 44, of Oak Lawn, and placed him under arrest. He was found to have a valid warrant out of Cook County for criminal trespass, according to police. He was charged with two counts of retail theft and processed on the warrant,
April 28
Delarentis M. Holliday, 47, of Chicago, was issued citations for driving while license suspended, driving with expired plates, two counts of child restraint violations and no insurance, and was issued a no trespass notice and released on scene. Whitney J. Turner, 26, of Berkeley, was charged with violation of an order of protection and issued a no trespass notice. Police said that subsequent to the report of a retail theft in progress, officers located the suspects and conducted a traffic stop. It was determined the suspects were not in possession of stolen goods.
A 31-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence in the 200 block of N. Addison. Police said that subsequent to a report of a domestic, officers met with the victim, who related her boyfriend battered her and prevented her from reporting the incident. Officers located the suspect, who was found to have a valid failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County.
April 24-April 26
Police said victims reported an unknown person(s) broke the rear hatch window of their vehicle and stole a container holding multiple clothing items in the 600 block of N. Van
Auken sometime between the above dates.
April 25
Police said officers responded a retail theft in progress at a store in the 900 block of S. York at 9:18 p.m. The suspect was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. She was released pending review of video footage and lab results of the controlled substance.
Unlawful possession of a weapon
April 24
Daniel Palacios, 25, of Evanston, was charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Clinton at 7:04 p.m. Police said the suspect was found to be in possession of loaded firearms without possessing a valid CCL.
Warrant arrest
April 30
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Industrial at 2 a.m., the driver, Kaitlyn N. Robinson, 38, of Chicago, was found to have an active warrant from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. She was placed under arrest and transported to the station. She was processed on the warrant, charged with fugitive from justice, and transported to the DuPage County Jail.
April 29
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Church and Poplar at 11:51 p.m., Cymone C. Harris, 39, of Bellwood, was found to have a valid failure to appear warrant out of Vermilion County. Harris also was charged with driving while license revoked, possession of cannabis, improper display of registration and driving without a registration light.
Police said a 44-year-old man from Minneapolis turned himself in on a warrant for domestic battery on the above date for an alleged incident that occurred Dec. 31, 2024. A victim told police that a verbal argument turned physical when the suspect pushed her onto the bed and made threatening statements.
April 24
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and County Line at 10:45 p.m., Jonathan Ortega, 23, of Melrose Park, was found to be driving while license suspended and had a warrant out of Cook County. Ortega was processed on the warrant, and charged with driving while license suspended, failure to signal and no insurance.
Woodridge man sentenced to 10 years for fatal DUI crash
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that a Woodridge man accused of killing a bicyclist while driving drunk and then fleeing the scene has been sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Salil Chander, 35, appeared in court on Monday, April 28, and entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to one count of aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another person (Class 2 felony), in front of Judge Joseph Bugos, who handed down the sentence.
On Aug. 8, 2023, Chander appeared in bond court, where bond was set at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. In October 2024, following a pre-trial detention hearing under the new Pre-Trial Fairness Act, Chander was granted pre-trial release.
On Aug. 6, 2023, at approximately 5:05 p.m., Woodridge police officers responded to a 911 call for assistance on the 4100 block of Nelson Court. Approximately three minutes
later, the caller notified officers that the individual, later identified as Chander, had left the home in a silver Kia. Approximately one minute later, Chander struck a light pole on Nelson Court. After striking the light pole, he continued driving westbound on Green Trails Drive when he veered into the eastbound lane of Green Trails Drive and struck and killed 64-year-old Michael Norton of Naperville, who was riding a bicycle. After striking Norton with his vehicle, Chander continued to drive away. An eyewitness to the crash called 911.
Woodridge police officers were on the scene within 10 seconds of the call and located Chander approximately three-tenths of a mile away, near Green Trails Drive and Ridgewood Road, where he was taken into custody. Following an investigation into the crash, authorities learned that at the time of the crash Chander’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was 0.222, nearly three times the legal limit.
Philanthropists Judith Morley, Robert Jans to receive Elmhurst University honorary doctorates
At Elmhurst University’s 154th commencement exercises on Saturday, May 24, honorary doctoral degrees will be awarded to alumna Judith Morley, a philanthropist, University trustee and retired partner of the William Blair global investment firm; and Robert Jans, a generous longtime donor to the University with a deep commitment to student veterans and military education.
Jans will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and will deliver the commencement address at the ceremony for Elmhurst University’s graduate students.
Morley also will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and will give the commencement address at the graduation ceremony for Elmhurst’s undergraduate
students.
Both of this year’s honorary degree recipients are deeply committed to the promise and impact of an Elmhurst education.
About Robert Jans Jans, of Brookfield, is a retired businessman and civic leader. He has deep family connections to the University and is among its most generous donors. A longtime supporter of military education, he has served as chairman of the Defense Orientation Conference Association, a nonprofit that educates civic and business leaders on defense, foreign policy and national security issues.
In 2021, he and his brother, Elmhurst alumnus Tim Jans, gave Elmhurst University a $3.4 million gift for a com-
Glowiak Hilton working to enhance standards for sexual assault evidence collection
At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits, often sold and marketed directly to consumers, are raising concerns about their reliability and the risks they pose to survivors seeking justice. State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is working to strengthen standards by ensuring evidence is collected by trained medical professionals.
“At-home collection kits may sound ideal for privacy reasons, but they don’t provide the same level of support or legal integrity as exams conducted by a medical professional,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).
“No one should be sold false hope during one of the most traumatic experiences in their life.”
At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits are marketed online as an alternative to medical forensic exams, but they lack the oversight and expertise needed for reliable evidence collection. In Illinois, professional exams not only address physical trauma but offer emotional support, with a trained crisis advocate explaining the
• Tariffs
survivor’s rights and options.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.
The Illinois Attorney General has raised concerns that these at-home kits are unreliable and unlikely to hold up in criminal court proceedings due to issues with evidence handling.
To address these risks, House Bill 2548 would make it illegal for anyone other than a medical professional to sell, advertise or distribute sexual assault evidence collection kits. Under Glowiak Hilton’s bill, survivors who are misled into purchasing a kit could seek compensation for any harm caused by false claims about the kit’s effectiveness in pursuing criminal charges.
“These kits mislead survivors during a vulnerable time,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We are prioritizing survivors by ensuring evidence is collected properly.”
House Bill 2548 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 30.
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Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, I’ve worked to expand federal support for CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually. These programs ensure students can access strong career pathways without needing a four-year degree while also giving employers the trained workers they need to thrive.
The participants at my roundtable emphasized the need for stable funding, robust apprenticeships, and wraparound support services to help students succeed. I’m committed to advancing these priorities in Congress to ensure our workforce is ready for the future.
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.
prehensive initiative to introduce more STEM students to careers in the military while also supporting student veterans on campus. Later in 2021, the brothers were awarded the Founders Medal, one of the university’s most prestigious honors.
About Judith Morley
Before her retirement, Judith Morley (Class of 1969) was a principal with William Blair, a global investment banking and financial services company based in Chicago. She joined the company in 1991 and was among
the first women invited to become a partner at the firm.
As a retiree living in Illinois and California, she has applied her skills to charitable endeavors, most notably for her church in California and for “Tools For Tomorrow,” which provides free
after-school arts and music classes to needy children across the Coachella Valley. She was a longtime trustee at Lincoln College in her hometown of Lincoln, Ill., and joined the Elmhurst University Board of Trustees in 2022.
Community calendar
Recurring on Sundays
Elmhurst Model Railroad
Club Sunday open house
From 1-4 p.m. every Sunday at the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club, 111 E. First St., and visit the club’s three operating model railroad layouts. For more information, call 630-530-9584 or email: emrrc@comcast.net.
Thursday, May 8
An intimate evening with Radius featuring Michael St. Peter. From 7-8:30 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Centre for the Performing Arts, 100 Haven Road, Radius, dubbed the #1 a cappella group in the U.S. in 2023, will be performing in Elmhurst for one night only. Michael St. Peter, an Elmhurst native began his career with the Chicago Opera Theatre and Lyric Opera of Chicago, He went on to perform with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra and Haymarket Opera Company. Parking is available at the Schiller Street parking deck, the police station surface lot, and at 105 S. York St. For more information, visit: www. ecpa-elmhurst.org.
Saturday, May 10
71st annual Pancake Breakfast and Mother’s Day plant sale. From 7-11 a.m. at the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, 310 W. Butterfield, join the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst at its free pancake breakfast and Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Characters such as Mickey Mouse, Super Hero’s and more will be onsite
from 9-10:30 a.m. for complimentary photos. Characters generously provided by Costumers with a Cause. Mother’s Day plants will also be sold at this event, along with raffles. While the pancake breakfast is free, donations are always welcomed. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics volleyball tournament, Elmhurst Music Boosters, York High School Key Club Scholarships, YMCA Scholarships and more. For more information, visit: https:// exploreelmhurst.com.
Green Garden Fair at First Congregational UCC. From 9 a.m. to noon, the First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst, will hold its annual Green Garden Fair. Pick up pre-ordered, certified organic seedlings. Additional organic vegetable and herb seedlings, beautiful flower seedlings and bagged organic mushroom compost and potting mix will be available for purchase at the fair. Bring your garden tools, knives and scissors and Custom Edge Sharpening will sharpen them while you wait. Also, Prairie Wind Natives will be selling native plants. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors. For more information, visit the church’s website: https://elmhurstucc.org/.
“Rising Stars of Stanger” Stanger Young Artist Competition Concert. Presented by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra from 2-4 p.m., the
orchestra proudly announces its Stanger Young Artist Competition Concert, titled “Rising Stars of Stanger,” at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. This family-friendly event, suitable for ages 8 and up, promises an afternoon of extraordinary musical talent and excitement. Three groups of young artists will take the stage, each vying for the top prize in this prestigious competition. Judges, seated among the audience, will evaluate the performances and announce the winner live from the stage, adding a thrilling conclusion to the event. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, visit: https:// elmhurstsymphony.org/risingstars-of-stanger-2025.
GreenMan Theatre presents Miss Holmes Returns by Christopher M. Walsh. Presented by GreenMan Theatre Troupe on May 10, May 11, May 16, May 17 and May 18 at First United Methodist Church, 232 S. York, revisit the world of Miss Sherlock Holmes the Troupe presents Miss Holmes Returns as a staged reading. It will look a little different from our normal productions but will still delight you with some characters you met last fall and introduce you to new ones as we tell you this story. All tickets are $15. For more information, visit: www.greenmantheatre.org.
Thursday, May 15
UCCA Taste of the Town.
From 6-10 p.m. United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) will hold the eighth annual Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause, an Elmhurst food and drink experience, on May 15 at Wilder Mansion. The evening will showcase food, wine, and beer tastings from 15 Elmhurst businesses. Proceeds from the event will benefit UCCA, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that fights hunger by providing food, referrals, and services to Elmhurst District 205’s most financially disadvantaged children and their families. Tickets are $75 in advance and $80 after May 8 or at the door and can be purchased online at ucca-elmhurst.org or by mail at UCCA, Box 324, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Visit ucca-elmhurst.org for more details.
Saturday, May 17
Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst 45th annual plant sale. From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York Street. Presented by the Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst, the sale features more than 1,200 plants and 130-plus varieties that include sun and shade perennials, herbs, ground covers, natives and vegetables. The sale will also feature plants that attract pollinators. Experienced gardeners onsite to answer questions and assist with plant selection. A portion of the plant sales donated to support community projects. Checks, cash and major credit cards accepted
for purchases. Shop early for the best selection. The sale will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit: www.crestviewgardenclub. com.
Spring Road Pet Parade
From 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. presented by the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst, pets of all types and sizes are welcomed. The event starts at 11:30, but the parade steps off at 1 p.m. Bring your furry friends and unique pets to parade on Spring Road.
Let your pets prance and strut their stuff in a costume or just show off their natural charm. The event includes pet tricks, pet awards, fun activities for the kids, and concessions (cash only) with proceeds going to local animal shelters. Bring cash for the raffle. For more information, visit: https://springroad.com/ourevents.
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Elmhurst Choral Union presents concert on May 18
On Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Choral Union (ECU) will present a candlelight concert with music of hope. The concert—Music to Light the Darkness: A Candlelight Experience— takes place in Hammerschmidt Chapel at Elmhurst University, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Music to Light the Darkness: A Candlelight Experience is designed to surround you in candlelight, quiet reflection, and the kind of music that lingers long after the last note. The program includes the beautiful Fauré Requiem, as well as inspiring and soul-stirring performances of “Illuminare” by Elaine Hagenberg, and “Dark & Luminous Night” by Ola Gjeilo.
A full professional orchestra will perform with the 60-voice choir, featuring soloists Kristin Lelm and Doug Peters.
Tickets are $25 (adult) and $15 (youth up to age 18). Purchase tickets online at elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets or at the door the day of the concert.
The group is led by Artistic Director Scott Uddenberg, with full orchestra accompaniment and professional soloists. The ECU has rehearsed and performed at Elmhurst University since its founding in 1952, with a mission to create outstanding choral performances for the community to appreciate and enjoy.
The ECU is grateful for the financial support from the Explore Elmhurst Grant Program, DuPage Foundation, Wurlitzer Grant, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org or email info@elmhurstchoralunion.org.
Plans for new Wagner Community Center taking shape
The Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners reviewed and approved the schematic design for the new Wagner Community Center at their Monday, April 14, Park Board meeting. The schematic design is available to view and download at epd.org.
Elmhurst residents passed a park district bond referendum in November 2024, allowing revenue to be raised for several projects, including the building of a new Wagner Community Center. The building will serve all ages, reduce wait lists and better meet the needs of the community.
Construction on the new Wagner is expected to begin in fall of this year, so the park district has diligently focused on design development and planning since the passing of the referendum last fall.
The schematic design is the first phase of the design, providing a general overview of the project’s features. With its approval, the park district can move forward with design development documents. These documents will outline the size
and character of the project, covering architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as other relevant elements. Components such as elevations, construction details, and diagrammatic layouts of building systems will also be included. The park district will hold a planned unit development open house for the community this summer, giving residents a chance to see the plans as details become finalized.
The park district’s comprehensive and strategic planning initiative, Elevate Elmhurst Parks, showed that indoor recreational amenities were some of the most essential needs, according to the community. The new Wagner Community Center will address this, with amenities including a free three-lane walking/jogging track, a gymnasium, indoor artificial turf field, larger spaces for dance and gymnastics, multi-purpose spaces, an indoor play area for children and a dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance.
Elmhurst group donates to DuPage Paws for People
Members of 100+ Women Who Care recently presented their quarterly donation to Charlotte Keane, President of DuPage Paws for People, and her dog therapy teams at the Elmhurst Public Library. 100+ Women Who Care is a local giving circle with a mission to make a difference in the community through its collective donations. DuPage Paws for People will use the $14,600 donation to support the learning processes
of children living with vision and hearing loss with its registered therapy dog teams. For more information, or if interested in joining 100+ Women Who Care—Elmhurst Area, contact the group at elmwomenwhocare@gmail.com or visit 100elmhurstwomenwhocare.weebly.com. For more information about DuPage Paws for People, visit www.dupagepawsforpeople.com.
Athletes of the Month for IC Catholic Prep
From left to right: Graziella Narcisi, Kiely Kemph, Kathryn Anderson, and Chloe Brandt.
IC Catholic Prep recognizes their 800-relay squad from the Girls Track team as their athletes of the month. The relay squad includes: Seniors, Graziella Narcisi and Kiely Kemph, junior, Chloe Brandt and sophomore, Kathryn Anderson. They recently set a new school record of 10:22.85, which crushed the old school record by nine seconds!! Congratulations to Graziella, Kiely, Kathryn and Chole for their successful relay and making history at ICCP!! We are so proud of the girls’ contribution to the track team.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Trump’s 100 days: Pritzker calls for mass mobilization as he grows his national profile
Governor introduces himself to new audiences at New Hampshire fundraiser, virtual town hall while dismissing presidential speculation
By Ben Szalinski
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
President Donald Trump marked the 100th day of his second term on April 29 as Gov. JB Pritzker has spent the week calling on Americans to pressure congressional Republicans to oppose Trump’s agenda and highlighting how Trump’s policies affect Illinois.
“I’m deeply concerned about what the next 100 days, and frankly, the next 1,000 days will be like,” Pritzker said during a virtual town hall.
Pritzker appeared on the MeidasTouch podcast’s live town hall alongside three other Democratic governors: Kathy Hochul, of New York, Maura Healey, of Massachusetts, and Tim Walz, of Minnesota—the unsuccessful 2024 vice presidential nominee.
Throughout the town hall, the second-term Illinois governor continued calling for Americans to make their voices heard against what he perceives as a destructive Trump administration.
“I believe that we all ought to be mobilizing,” Pritzker told a Florida resident.
“It’s the best way for us to get across what we really believe is that, you know, show up at your Republican congressman’s office and let them know: Quit shutting down veteran services, quit taking away Social Security and Medicaid.”
But for Democrats to be successful in future election cycles, the party must deliver results on voters’ priorities, Pritzker said.
In addition to explaining a “simple message” about the party’s values to voters, Democrats should also embrace alternative media interviews to reach new voters, he said, pointing to a string of podcasts Walz appeared on during last year’s vice-presidential campaign.
“He was everywhere,” Pritzker said.
“We’ve got to do that, all of us, and make sure that the Democratic message of standing up for working families is heard everywhere and directly to people who are online.”
Pritzker’s live podcast appearance April 29 came two days after he delivered blistering criticism of unnamed
people in his party for using podcasts and media interviews to chastise other Democrats.
“What I find ironic about the current conversation surrounding our party is that the voices flocking to podcasts and cable news shows to admonish fellow Democrats for not caring enough about the struggles of working families are the same ones who, when it comes to relieving the struggles of real people, have been timid, not bold,” Pritzker told a fundraiser for the New Hampshire Democratic Party on April 27.
New Hampshire has typically held the first presidential primary election, usually following the Iowa caucus.
Pritzker, who also appeared April 28 on MSNBC, has been working himself into the national spotlight for months since Trump took over the White House in January. Appearances on trendy podcasts and prime time cable TV shows have become a regular part of the governor’s schedule.
Pritzker received national attention after he warned of similarities between Nazi Germany and the Trump administration in his February State of the State address. His remarks in New Hampshire on April 27 drew more attention as headlines in publications including The New York Times declared the speech “stokes 2028 talks.”
Pritzker downplayed any links between the speech and his personal ambitions, saying he’s only trying to send a message to the party about what the platform for 2026 should be while defending Illinois against the Trump administration’s policies.
“I was surprised that so many people covered that,” Pritzker told reporters in Chicago.
The speech also struck a nerve with Republicans as Pritzker suggested Democrats “will never join so many Republicans in the special place in hell reserved for quislings and cowards.”
“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption,” Pritzker said. “But I am now. These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. They
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, May 9 - 2-4 p.m.
Friday Features: “Sense and Sensibility”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/ Friday.
No registration required.
Saturday, May 10
10 a.m.-noon
Canasta: Open Play
must understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soap box and then punish them at the ballot box.”
Pritzker first called on Democrats to become “street fighters” and engage in mass protest at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in March in Los Angelas.
The Illinois Republican Party cried foul in a news release titled “Pritzker calls for violence against Republicans.”
“His comments if nothing else could be construed as inciting violence,” Trump deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said.
Pritzker scoffed at Miller’s criticism, saying he didn’t listen to the speech.
“Peaceful protest is what I’m talking about. It’s about standing up, speaking out,” Pritzker told reporters. “Again, using your megaphone, your microphone, whatever you’ve got. And the peace that I’m talking about is making sure that they know at all times that the American public opposes the policies of Congressional Republicans and of the White House.”
Outside public appearances, Pritzker’s political organization also announced it was beginning a new video series highlighting Illinoisians who have been hurt by cuts to the federal government under Trump. And to mark Trump’s 100th day in office, the governor’s office released a list of 100 ways “Trump and Republicans are hurting Illinois.”
Responding to a Chicago voter’s concerns about affordable housing during the April 29 town hall, Pritzker rattled off legislation and state spending increases approved under his administration as a way he’s trying to help. But he also argued it’s ultimately going to be challenging to address such concerns with Trump as president.
“Donald Trump is making everything harder,” Pritzker said. “Housing, rent, being able to borrow money to buy your first home, or any home, and that’s something that we’re all going to have to live with until we’re able to overturn the Congress.”
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. No registration required.
Monday, May 12-7-8 p.m.
Home Grown:
Agriculture and Life in DuPage County
Home Grown explores the historical methods and tools that DuPage residents used to farm and raise livestock and the impacts agriculture has had on the county’s economy, society, and culture. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
Tuesday, May 13
Noon-2 p.m. In Stitches Needleworkers
Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers of all skill levels: Bring a project, share knowledge with others, and have fun!
Live in-person. No registration required.
Tuesday, May 13-1-3 p.m.
Bridge and Pinochle
Enjoy and afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required.
No registration required.
Wednesday, May 14 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
American mahjong: open play
Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Thursday, May 15 10:30 a.m.-noon
Mind the Gap: Filling in Holes in Genealogy Research
Genealogist Suz Bates shares a tried-and-true method using a location timeline for finding holes in your research while simultaneously gleaning hints for the next step in filling in the gaps.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom with a virtual presenter. Registration required.
Thursday, May 15 7-8:30 p.m.
Artificial Intelligence: Promise & Perils
Lance Erlick presents the current state of AI, the promise, myths, threats, and what we should know about changes coming to our world. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
Receiving the weekly Elmhurst Independent
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2. Pick up a free copy of the Elmhurst Independent print version at any one of more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst every Thursday
3. Sign up for a free weekly eSubscription that can be read on a computer, laptop or tablet. Your link will be emailed to you every week. Sign up at today at: RockValleyEnews.com
Please sign me up for weekly mail home delivery of the Elmhurst Independent print version for one year. Enclosed is my donation. Readers that have made a donation in the last year will continue to receive the Elmhurst Independent by mail at no charge for up to 12 months. There is a $45 minimum for a 1 year subscription outside of Elmhurst.
MIDWEST GUTTER
Rising StarsStangerof
