>> Good evening and thanks for joining us on the week in review.

I'm Nick Plummer.

>> After lots and lots and lots of speculation.

Illinois's longest-serving elected senator says he's stepping aside.

>> There comes a point your career when the torch been passed.

And I reached that point, I will not be seeking re-election to this United States Senate seat.

>> Senator Durbin's retirement is expected to unleash a flood of would-be successors with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.

First out of the gate says the energize the church to move forward.

He gave us a more expansive view of what we could be, especially as he called us to be a field hospital in the world.

Chicagoans join mourners around the world remembering the late Pope.

Francis has Cardinal Blase Cupich prepares to help choose a successor.

We have started our budget process earlier than ever before.

Because the challenges that we face are greater than what experienced before.

Mayor Brandon Johnson sounds the alarm on city finances and sounds off on former Mayor Rahm Emanuel State senator email Jones.

The 3rd time in court ends in a mistrial while convicted Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo spend the rest of his life behind bars.

>> I'm so glad to Chicago bear and part of you guys, history.

And privilege.

>> And Chicago Bears fans mourn the loss of Hall of Famer Steve McMichael to ALS.

>> And now to our week in review panel.

Joining us are Rick Pearson from the Chicago Tribune.

Sarah Karp from WBEZ.

Quin Meyers from Block Club.

Chicago.

And joining us from Washington via Zoom is Clarence Page.

Pulitzer-winning contributing columnist also from the Chicago Tribune.

Let's get right to it, Rick, after what feels like a period of speculation that lasted almost as long as his most recent term.

Senator Durbin announces he will not seek reelection next year.

Were you surprised by this decision?

>> Most people weren't.

I will tell you in the couple of months leading up to this and I would go and what to events and talk to him about his decision coming.

And I wasn't really sure that he was necessarily going to leave that he he sounded like he enjoyed the work, felt challenge by the Trump administration, but also there was that collegiality aspect of it.

They call it, you know, with the exclusive club in the world, the club of 100.

And he even talked about, you know, even the Republicans have taken over the majority.

He talked his relationships with others bring them South Carolina and other Republicans.

So, yeah, we kind of all knew it was, but I think it was more a matter of him coming to terms with decision.

But yeah, it certainly seemed like after, you know, Trump's reelection that he was maybe having some.

>> Whether a second thoughts are just thinking that I'm still the guy for this job.

I want to stay in the fight.

Yeah.

I mean, one of the events I went to was protest out federal plaza and it was raining and it was snowing and he was out there.

He spoke for 20 minutes, didn't wear a hat.

afterwards, I said so you still have the fire wrecked.

I was just standing 20 minute about issues.

I still care very passionately about.

Yeah.

Well, you know, Clarence Page Durbin is the number 2 Democrat in the Senate, former chair of the Judiciary Committee.

You know, Illinois is a solidly blue state.

So, you know, they're not necessarily likely to lose the seat.

But is this a blow to Democrats given Durbin's long tenure and significant experience in that chamber?

>> In some ways, yeah.

With ISIL, what why people love it.

he's a man has a part of the scene what the coming decades now for 5.

It's remarkable recovery for many years just like but that it's interesting that this is also a changing time because of the time.

there's a generation the Senate the House between the Republicans and Democrats between Democrats and Democrats.

There's a lot of frustration right now big loss last year's presidential race.

there's lot of folks feel like, oh, well, you know, I do.

But there's institutional widely respected.

He knows the Supreme Court addressed should sharing system inside and But these days you've got love, younger Democrats who want to be more put lipstick like the Trump people they want engage the other side more.

that's not Durbin style.

So that sense, I wasn't surprised to see him go with a more of a surprise Joe Biden when wasn't a question of weather was a question of whether but question of >> do think this is maybe will seek a look back at this is the beginning of the changing of the guard.

I mean that Joe Biden impact here is is clear.

I think, you know where we've we're going hear news about change county's future next couple weeks are already some reporting that she is planning to retire.

So I do think Democrats are looking at what happened when Joe Biden saying we do to shoulder Democrats.

We do maybe need to to seed our offices here to some some younger generations.

But there's one factor to remember, too, is that when you talk about Washington talk about the House and the Senate, especially the Senate.

It's about seniority.

javonni and let's go into this.

Going to hurt Illinois.

Yeah, absolutely.

But I mean, you know, to to that point, you know, whoever is is coming in and taking over.

>> They won't have that longevity.

But there are some pretty big name.

Folks expected to jump in got Lieutenant Governor, you we expect for cavalcade.

I mean, certainly have a House member to know how the game is played a Juliana Stratton, certainly, but the endorsement of the Governor Pritzker, the running mate.

is present a formidable candidate, but she is in play the Washington game red.

And so, you know, there's there is a learning curve when it comes to mourn the see politics and the pecking order for getting things done death.

And it's going to be interesting to see if Governor Pritzker put some of his formidable honeybee.

I'm to or he and well, and I that's that's a no-brainer.

He's not he's not going to cover the not if he's not gonna open up the checkbook correct?

Well, you know, we mentioned up at the top of the show, Cardinal Blase Cupich has has arrived in Vatican City ahead of the funeral for the late Pope Francis.

You know, Sarah car beside a real outpouring of grief among Chicagoans.

Does it demonstrate something about Francis's appeal even just beyond Catholics?

I do think so because he took out a lot of issues >> You know, traditionally the Catholic Church didn't take up.

I mean, he he talked to people's humanity.

And I think that that's what people are responding to.

>> And, you know, maybe even too because of this moment, you know, he did a lot of outreach to immigrants to, you know, people in Gaza.

And I think that those are issues that extend beyond the Catholic Church and they just speak to more Elegy and you know where we are in this moment with a lot of, you know, lines being crossed that have been crossed in the past.

So I do.

I think that, you know what, I'm not Catholic.

I was sad to see him >> I Clarence Page to Sarah's Point, many of Francis's messages.

They are somewhat at odds with, you know, Republican politicians currently leading Washington.

You know how to someone like a Catholic convert.

Jd Vance Square, his policies with with Francis's or does he simply overlook them and sort of the interpret the church's teachings in a different way when it comes to politics.

>> But we certainly saw exchange that bans and the pope had a last week the post last day with us and and was perturbed that events had this of you concentric circles of not the butchering but court too badly But vest was talking about how take care your family and home first in the rest of the world later and the whole bit.

Minor storm said no, there are not concentric circles of caring you must care for everyone to give us help to help poor.

They are well, and that's a little different.

coach that the current Republican administration has toured problems of poverty and one oldest dealt with this We've had presidents who were lot more conservative than And was the old at the time.

But the bill still has his influence and church is still an important institution, especially in Chicago, public, most Catholic city in the country.

is important.

>> You feel that that really lot of people mourning his loss do.

>> I think a lot of people locally are going to be paying very close attention to what happened.

Well, the successor be because this could also involve a shift back to previous kind of more rigid ideology that where does that fit into society today in the United States?

Well, turning our focus back home.

We saw Mayor Johnson this week launching a sort of a budget task force to get ahead of some of the pretty big fiscal challenges on the horizon.

Quinn Meinerz, how tough of a spot as the city likely to be in coming years.

I mean, an extremely tough spot.

We we know that.

And the mayor himself has said this is what the projected budget gap over a billion dollars this year can be more next year and could climb even farther depending on if the federal government tries to cut even more federal funding from from Chicago.

So the mayor is yes, trying to get out ahead of it.

But also he's also responding to a lot of criticism.

He took last year for starting the budget process late essentially in running up almost into Christmas.

I was covering the budget and there was a time when we thought we might be in the council chambers after Christmas before New Year's and are not sure if they were going to pass a budget.

Thankfully that didn't happen.

But he took a lot of criticism from even progressive.

All other people about the whole process so easily signaling that maybe he's going to be more open this year to a smoother process.

But whether that actually happens, we'll see.

And then, you know, the big question, isn't actual property tax increase going to come back this year?

And it's very interesting to that.

He opened the door to because, you know, ever since he was running, he's very very strict on that.

>> He does not want to cut people.

He doesn't want to cut services.

you know, maybe as he's going into his, you know, 3rd third-year 1000.

That is their 3rd Yeah, but goes so quick.

But I think but you know, he's probably face, you seeing that there's a reality there.

And especially if want to raise property taxes, you might need to show that.

He's also, you know, being little more Astaire.

>> But at the same time, we're used to talk about going to Springfield, right?

Which he could actually save taxpayers money by not because the answer is going to be no one, especially this late in this one.

the governor even point out when asked about it is state budget is put together, you know, at the end of the previous year, right?

So coming down now and the last month of session when it's a matter and there's still issues and trying to finalize what the state's going to be.

Because like the city.

Federal funding issues are kind of up and down.

Who knows.

But coming know.

And then there's this.

You know who the CPS municipal budget, all this stuff.

I mean, will the city have to cover pension payments?

Again, it's it's going to be messy as it always is.

But especially this year that it's and it's going to be I mean, CPS is going to be a nightmare this year.

They're facing a huge budget deficit and they were just saying.

>> At the meeting last night that they're going bring a whole contingent to to Springfield.

at this point, what is the point the Pretty well baked by the time the governor stands up there and has are the state race.

It's not, you know, and I think that's been one of the frustrations from.

>> Springfield legislators is that kind of view looking at Springfield, looking at Springfield.

They don't print money there and they're not.

They're not anxious about having try to raise any time, especially heading into an election year.

Certainly not.

Well, you know, speaking of some of that Democratic infighting, Quinn, we also saw the mayor taking some swipes at his predecessor around annual a Pulse.

you know, is is he trying to add his voice to the chorus to stop some sort of an Emanuel political comeback?

You think?

Sure we were just talking about.

I Brandon Johnson has has never been a fan of Rahm Emanuel to put that >> lightly.

I his political career was really jump started and to find by opposing Mayor Emanuel's decision to close almost 50 schools across Chicago.

That forged Brandon Johnson into the political person.

He became.

So this wasn't surprising.

I was we'll maybe I was a little surprised that he chose to do this now and go after him.

But, you know, Rahm has been making the rounds on the podcast or get a guest talking about how Democrats in to get out of the bathroom get into the classroom, basically getting away from these culture war issues, too kitchen table yeah, you know, possibly position himself.

I don't know if for mayor or for a higher office.

So I do think Mayor Johnson is trying to take him down a peg, whether that will work or not, though I'm not so sure.

Interesting singer, our current in our most recent mayor having jumped in because they were angry manual owner of a got a 3rd one coming weather.

But he can be I mean, with some of the things.

And I understand to current mayor's point, some of the things that he's been talking about issues about, you know, focus on the classroom, focus on police well, let's look at the record of Rahm Emanuel.

You point out about closing schools.

>> Hurting neighborhoods where it's schools closed.

What was Emanuel's police right?

Trying to bury Liqueur.

Mcdonald, thank you very Well, speaking of some of those schools, Sarah Karp, we saw.

>> The Chicago Board of Education finally bless the new teachers contract this week, bringing that long saga to an end.

They also approved a new black student success plan.

Even amid the federal government targeting anything that even looks like dei.

Tell us a little bit about what that a plan is.

So this plan is about 2, 3 years coming.

Alma was so sort spurred by this group of Westside activist who where?

>> Saying, you know, you got a look at the fact black students lag in so many metrics in Chicago, public schools, higher dropout rates, higher suspect, suspensions.

Absenteeism, lower test scores.

So many different metrics and really pushing the school district to look at this.

And it when the school district today actually started a special education committee.

And so they were saying like no, we need a special education debate.

But we also need this other committee.

It was written into the law that created the elected school board to have this committee.

And they finally, you know, the family just got underway.

Now, there's already a lot of lost or complaint by a national group.

Over the Black Student success plan, which this committee is supposed to monitor.

So we are, you know, watching to see how the federal government will react because Trump is very much against these, like, you know, diversity, inclusion, equity and maybe they'll consider this, you know.

Part of >> Well, as some other CPS news of the outgoing CEO, Pedro Martinez headed for a job out east where the details there.

So he's going to be the head of the Massachusetts Board of You know, it.

I hope given to me for saying this, but it's kind of a demotion because they running a big city school district.

Boston like in Massachusetts.

That's a very big job.

And that's a lot of pressure on you.

states for the school, you know, education departments aren't is that has been a the I think about how many times we talk about Tony Sanders, who's the head of the Illinois State Board, near as much as we talk about the So it's a little bit of a different, you know thing.

And you know, there you won't have to deal with.

won't have negotiate with teacher unions.

And so that's a big deal.

You with people think that maybe the you had something with him, not getting another job in Nevada where he would have had to deal with teacher unions.

So I mean, I'm not saying like it's a bad habit.

I'm just saying it's a different it's a strain of and Minnesota given the last few months he's had as the head of a school district baby is okay with Like to be an accomplice and states are, you know, they're having to fight the Trump administration on a lot of issues.

So I think that in that way, it will be a little high profile.

>> Well, Governor JB Pritzker recently he's moved to sort of punish ele'ele the door for its role.

>> In detaining or wrongly deported Maryland Man, Clarence Page.

You wrote this week that, you know, the camera Garcia's treatment feels like something out of the Twilight Zone might.

What brings that to mind for >> Or or Kafka playable?

read preserve of a man swept off.

The streets locked up and not told that the charge is not people cope with the courtroom as it supposed to be This is about the way we're going see it as with treated but was take.

It away.

But ice and the fate to come some food or another country.

And HIA because it down there and demonstration there admits that administration here admit they made a mistake, but neither is taking steps to try to correct that mistake.

this is the sense now that the Trump administration is eager to put people in prison or them into custody or come out of the country with their way about things like due process.

So we've got this big debate going on here in real time.

>> Well, and Clarence, you know, another Trump administration move trying to get folks out of the country, pulled an about-face on this plan to terminate legal status for international students.

They're still trying to put pressure on universities, including an Illinois over, you know, diversity programs.

Why is higher education such a target for Trump?

>> Forget the judge arrest of the for allegedly helping a documented resident walk out the door.

This is all part of the Trump program here.

And it's hard to say how much of actually aimed at solving problems because not really doing much of that, but it certainly publicizing Trump's toughness a lot.

And that seems to be performance of message that his administration is trying put out there that people are getting hurt.

>> I think Clarence is right.

I mean, it's it's certainly there's that bullying aspect of it.

But, you know, Democrats have a problem here.

And Clarence brought up the fact it's trained for some.

It's about separating due process.

And with the fundamental concept of due process versus the Republicans, arguments you're trying to bring a gang member not allege hasn't been proven, but you're trying to bring a gang member back to the country.

What your priorities here.

It's hard argue due process because it sounds so mundane, but it's a fundamental right that all of us are entitled to.

Well, you know, couple high-profile legal cases this week, convicted Highland Park parade gunman getting a life sentence for each of the people that he murdered.

You know, Sarah Karp.

We saw the Illinois assault weapons ban after this, which is, of course, still being challenged in court.

>> Not much action at the national level.

I mean, forgive me for the obvious question, but do expect that to change anytime soon.

>> I know I what Trump is in office and the Republicans control?

You know, counter is so I mean that.

Unless you don't I'm not thinking it's going to change very >> I just think it was very heartbreaking that you had all these victim impact statements.

And and and the perpetrator.

To him time show up and fate and face what you really did.

Yeah.

another case we've been watching state senator email Jones, the 3rd bribery case ending in a mistrial think prosecutors might try to go make another run at this.

>> I would be surprised if they did, but I will say you know, this kind of fundamentally came on the issue of is in my interpretation of it and go see it.

But it is a broad versus a campaign contribution.

And there was no action ultimately taken.

If this was a right.

So and I think and of course, you have different definitions now and the federal government of what bribery is these days.

But I just don't think it was very clear.

The prosecutors made that case that it was a broad.

And I think the defense really did a very good job and, you know, you 3 on the stand, which never sees a risky proposition and it's enough pay And we've seen prosecutors in Chicago struggle recently on some of these public corruption prices to, you know, get convictions.

So commissioners, the CFA remember this is that prosecution unit used to be like 99%, right.

And the past few have they been in a mistrial partial verdicts on American trial?

So?

>> Yeah, we'll see if they if didn't see cases.

Well, yeah, certainly not.

Not quite the Sterling record once had, you know, from the outside, I'm always fascinated to listen to our 2 read how.

>> Politicians talk to each other and how all these like deals go down and all the coded language they using.

I mean, I don't think that we really get that in sight until you read like, you know, I know the wire taps and that, you know, just just their back and forth and like in this case, there's some exchanges.

I was like, wow, that's you know, that's really how the A's.

They deal.

I don't know.

I will say after the case landing, the tuna did make it peak behind the curtain there.

Yeah.

Well, not forget replica something.

I think for nothing.

that's Well, as we mentioned, you know.

>> Up at the top Chicago Bears great.

Steve McMichael died this week after pretty heartbreaking battle with ALS.

You know, Rick, what kind of legacy does does he leave behind for Bears fans?

I think his legacy as great as a football player is he was especially 85 Super Bowl bears >> I think his legacy is actually for his character and fighting.

>> And the fact that thankfully for everybody that he was able to be inducted into the football Hall of Fame while he was still a He was a tremendous, tremendous part of 85 Bears.

Defense.

And, you know, within a mom he lived up to it.

>> Yeah, but it is.

does seem that, you know, maybe helping to turn the tide and some of the whether its stigma or just a desire for ultimate privacy around this shine a little bit more of a light on an issue absolutely in and of course and he just did it with such grace.

While you all were very graceful.

Panelists, we appreciate your insights.

But we are out of time.

So our thanks to.

>> Rick Pearson, Sarah Karp.

Quin Meyers and Clarence Page.

we're back to wrap things up right after this.

>> Chicago tonight is made possible in part by the Alexander and John Nichols family.

The Pope Brothers Foundation, additional support is provided by.

>> And that's our show for this Friday night.

If you're looking for more context and analysis on the stories that matter to you, be sure to sign up for our free e-mail newsletter, the Daily Chicago and that's a W t tw Dot Com Slash newsletter.

Now for the weekend review.

I'm Nick Blumberg.

Thank you for watching.

Stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed.

Have a great weekend.

Okay.

One of the weekend activities we all enjoy in the summer.

We're hearing street fair organizers saying they're kind of fallen on hard times, but we're talking earlier.

feels like he's about a half-dozen any given weekend.

not seen they say gate box against division that they use to.

I think there are variety of factors, though.

Yeah, maybe there's too many to go given Saturday.

>> Or maybe people don't feel like the money's going back into their community.

I think there's covers.

I think there's a real What is that donation going Is it going right?

Is it just going to pay the head of the Chamber of Commerce, person's well, your game, know, maybe if they said the transparent about is for neighborhood improvements, addressing that kind of.

>> All right.

Well, it's really just put on the fair.

It really what it's about.

It's not about on the 5 K's and 10 K's.

It like is this a charity I just running along.

The lake rose caption is made possible by Robert a cliff and Clifford law offices, a personal injury law firm.