It’s been a big week for Chicagoland, especially the region’s large Catholic community.
Robert Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, is not only the first American leader of the Catholic Church, but he’s also a South Sider. Prevost was born at Mercy Hospital and grew up in the south suburban town of Dolton. He is also a fan of tavern-style pizza and, according to his brother, has always cheered for the White Sox. The former missionary gave his first Mass on Friday and will be formally installed as pope at a Mass on May 18.
President Donald Trump appeared to retreat from his trade war this week. The U.S. made a trade deal with the United Kingdom that cuts tariffs and streamlines customs processes. The president also floated cutting Chinese tariffs to 80%.
The White House announced plans Thursday to take action on an air traffic control shortage, the day before yet another radar outage at Newark airport. The administration said it will be creating six new air traffic control centers and making necessary technology upgrades. And in a series of moves this week, the president tapped a wellness influencer to be surgeon general, named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., and fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson got the City Council to approve funding for his “Green Social Housing” plan that he hopes will spur more affordable housing, and signaled that he wants his chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, to lead Chicago Public Schools despite the fact that she lacks the proper license.
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who has represented Illinois’ 9th Congressional District for more than 25 years, announced that she will not seek reelection next year. But while one representative is stepping down, two others are seeking higher office. South suburban U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and northwest suburban U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi threw their hats into the race to replace outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin.
The Met Gala was held this week, with several Chicago athletes, including Sky player Angel Reese and Bears safety Jonathan Owens, in attendance. The theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” focused on Black dandyism.
The White Sox have matched the worst 38-game start in franchise history, but there is some good news for fans: Longtime organist Nancy Faust is coming back to play at the Rate after a 15-year hiatus.
That’s all for this week! Test your knowledge of who said what for the week of May 4 to 10 with the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz. Missed last week? You can find it here or check out our past editions of Quotes of the Week.
